[Open] Well Thought Plans

[Jian Xu]

Phew, boy was it hot today. Far too hot to be walking around in heavy robes and meditating in them. At least, that was Jian thought, and if asked that would be the exact reason he'd give you as to why he was in the park in casual clothing rather than on Air Temple Island. He loved being an Air Acolyte, but just staying in one place was something he had always had a bit of trouble doing, and a few years of being an acolyte wasn't going to completely get rid of a decidedly longer time of being somewhat troublesome. At least, not that quickly.

Jian just allowed Nan to just drag him all over the place for a bit, who was mostly just sniffing around and occasionally stopping when he caught a whiff of a particularly interesting scent before moving on again. Eventually the polar dog tired of of his small adventure and the two of them just sat by the lake, enjoying the sounds of the park. Well, for as long as Jian could sit still and do something like that, anyway.

Eventually he felt the need for adventure in the form of climbing a tree. The park had more than enough to choose from. Nan seemed a little hesitant in having his friend climb a tree, which he made known by tugging on Jian pant leg. Jian looked down in the direction he heard the whimpers come from before kneeling down in front of his guide and friend, petting him softly. "Easy boy, I'm not doing anything that dangerous. Cut me a little slack. How dangerous is climbing a tree anyway?" Nan just gave him a look, which didn't mean much seeing as Jian couldn't see anything.

Feeling more than a little ready, Jian proceeded to climb a tree. It wasn't that bad at all! What was Nan being so worried about? You didn't have to see to be able to climb a tree, and he proved that! After finding a comfortable position to sit in on his spot on a branch, he looked down, smiling widely in the direction he thought Nan was sitting at. "See? Nothing to it! And you were worried about me." He laughed, though just then a problem did occur to him.

How was he going to get down from here, exactly? Climbing up was one thing, but what about down? "...maybe I didn't think this through as well as I thought I had." The boy muttered to himself.

[Sazra Peo]

Sazra sashayed through the small crowd gathering around a group of performers exercising their skills on the busy street. She had seen enough already, their routine was repetitive and not the least bit fluid. Even she could be more flexible than that. On a pole. Flashing a sweet smile at a random stranger when the thought crossed her mind, she started walking away and felt his confused gaze on the back of her head. Perhaps if he had been handsomer she would have turned around and said something. She had the day to herself and needed to find something to do with that.

It was so hot out, it made her vibrate at the core. Her eyes were playful fire when she crossed the bridge into the park, hopes up to find someone to hang out with without feeling restless in her interest to go. It would never be their fault, it never was. She was just a difficult person to get along with. Her inner dynamics collided and strangled each other on daily basis. The solid ground felt crisp under her thin shoes and the air smelled of the sun. It made her wish to create a walkway of flames and pass right through it, a romantic daydream she would have to refrain from for various reasons like getting arrested for incinerating the park while burning herself alive. It would be an almost fitting suicide, but not quite grandiose enough, she decided.

Her fascination with her own self-mutilating potential faded out of focus when her eyes came upon someone proceeding to climb a tree. He seemed to be talking to his polar-bear dog, although she wasn’t yet near enough to understand what it was he was imparting to the animal. By the time he was comfortably seated on a branch she was, hands on her hips, some feet away from his companion. Although she made no effort to conceal herself or stay out of his range of vision, he didn’t seem to notice her and continued talking to his dog.

“Hey!” She slow-waved at him and inched a bit closer to the tree, but kept a cautious eye on his companion. “Don’t you think you’re a bit old to be climbing trees?” There was a tease in her voice, but her tone was generally friendly.

[Jian Xu]

Jian continued to mull over his predicament, just staring blankly out in front of him. He could just throw all caution to the wind and jump down. He wouldn't mind a little pain, but there was the problem that he didn't even know how high up in the tree he was and that jumping might hurt more than just a little bit. He still needed to be healthy enough to return to the temple; preferably without a limp. He could also just call for help? Tell Nan to look for someone for him? But he didn't want to be a bother. Hmm...

As he considered his options he heard a woman's voice not far from where he was, though clearly not up in the tree with him. Despite hit predicament he couldn't help but smile and laugh a little at her question. "Old? Nonsense! One is never too old for adventure, no matter how big or small." He said cheerfully, kicking his legs back and forth.

"Nan, why didn't you tell me there was someone nearby? Bad boy, you need to tell me these things!" He -playfully- chastised the polar dog who, during the question, had made his way over to the woman and started sniffing her curiously. At the tone of his friend's voice he faltered and let out a whimper, first looking apologetic at Jian, then back at the woman. Jian just chuckled. "That's okay. Either way, how are you doing this fine, albeit warm, day? Y'know, other than asking if I'm not too old to climb trees." He asked cheerfully, apparently ignoring his situation altogether to make idle chatter instead. Talking to Nan was nice, but people tended to respond with things other than barks and whimpers, and he could definitely appreciate that.

[Sazra Peo]

There was an almost childish cheer about the person before her that amused Sazra, but not in a bad way. Her spirit was drawn to reply in kind. “Agreed! People often grow up and forget to take their fun side along. So inconvenient,” she said, with a note of tragedy. For someone like her, whose thirst for adventure of any sort seemed to have grown more than she did.

The polar-bear dog came to her side, all inspecting sniffs, after the playful chastising of his owner. The animal’s attention made the usually bold and steadfast firebender suddenly hesitant and shy. Her entire body was discreetly drawing away from Nan, even though she made no move. A long time ago, as a child, she had been attacked by a pack of wild wolves on an expedition to the forest where she had gotten lost. Anything that looked like a canine reminded her of that fear. Had she not been a firebender she would probably not be standing here today. She had a sudden urge to climb into the tree also so she started doing just that.

“I’m splendid. Thanks for asking, Yourself?” she replied, carefully choosing her footing, hugging the rough bark as she ascended to catch hold of the first branch on the way. Not once did he look entirely her way. She found this queer. Normally, she would have afforded him the courtesy of finding her own branch, but she was set on invading his, everything inside her grinning. “Make room for me, I’m joining you,” she announced. At least he was warned. It would be a slow ascent as she didn’t want to apply tears to her fancy clothing, but if she did, oh well. It was about time to break out the new season’s fashion anyway.

A slight breeze fondled her lightly powdered cheeks and she smelled of roses today. It had been firelilies yesterday and that scent was not completely gone from the tight chocker around her neck. She seriously had to pay more attention to not perfuming it, since she didn’t wash it daily. “So what’s your name? I’m Sazra. If you’d rather not be in the company of gorgeous strangers who act first and think later, speak now or forever hold your peace.” She laughed. It was partially a joke, more than partially her vanity. She needed to know how he’d take it.

[Jian Xu]

This person definitely seemed friendly enough. Nan hadn't attacked, or even really barked, at her, which was also a big plus and sign that she wasn't a bad person. Jian usually didn't see the harm in most people, and not just because he couldn't see anyone, but he usually chose not see the bad in them. The only time he actively stayed away from anyone was if he sense particularly bad intent from someone. Though by that time Nan would have attacked them as well, making it clear that it probably be best for him to get the heck away.

"Oh, me? I'm doing great! Didn't really feel like walking around in robes all day in this weather so here I am! Up in a tree." he replied. Though as he answered, he did hear her voice coming considerably closer to where he was. Reasons as to why were quickly answered when she said she would be joining him as well. "Aha, sure! The more the merrier, right?" he laughed as he slid towards the edge of the branch to make room for her. Holding on when he felt the branch shaking a bit.

He couldn't help but notice the nice smell emanating from the woman next to him. Roses? "You smell nice." he said, not really thinking about how odd what he said could have sounded. "Oh, I'm Jian. Maybe I should have started with that,"he replied with a smile, still looking down at where Nan was looking up at him. He laughed, "Are you testing me, by any chance? 'cause I'll have you know it'll take more than that to scare me away. Besides, Nan seems to like you, and if Nan likes you I don't see why I shouldn't. Besides, there's more fun in acting than thinking." He finished. It was exactly that mindset that got him stuck up here in the first place.

[Sazra Peo]

“Why would you be walking around in robes?” She asked instantly as she made her way up. He didn’t seem to mind, what’s more, he actually sounded welcoming. The way he sounded evoked a blip of warmth within her, that for once, she didn’t find threatening. It reminded her of the words she had heard from the lips of an old friend, perhaps her only true friend to date. He was far away now, perhaps not even alive anyone. The fire in her eyes dulled for but a moment, but she shrugged the sentiment off.

A moment more and she was onto his branch, balancing easily into a sitting position, legs on both sides and hands pressed onto the textury wood before her. Her eyes shot up so she could study his face but he was still not looking at her. His compliment came so casually it made her chuckle, a silken glove going to her mouth elegantly. “Thank you,” she replied simply, calmly watching him. He offered a name as an afterthought. Even on her scale, this person seemed strange somehow.

“Perhaps,” was all she said in reply to his question, and the fact that Nan liked her made her flush briefly, all of her instincts confused. She bore nothing but apprehension for what Nan represented, and yet, even if the dog had sensed it, he had not minded. She had to mentally laugh at the thoughts she was having. Animals didn’t have feelings the way humans did. She had probably expected the canine to want to rip her to shreds by default and that was all there was to it. “And that wasn’t supposed to scare you away, that part hasn’t even started yet,” she warned, but amusement was returning to her tone. “I’m glad you agree though, it would have been troublesome if you requested I carefully plan out my every move.”

She became quiet for what seemed like a long time though it was just a bouquet of moments. She could take it no longer. One of her hands came to his shoulder and she urged him, albeit gently, to face her. “Why won’t you look at me when I’m talking to you?” It was something she wasn’t accustomed to and it made her feel strange. How was she to express all that she wanted to if he didn’t feast his eyes on the plethora of gestures she displayed every moment.

[Jian Xu]

"Because it seems like that's all that acolytes wear. I mean, I don't think there's an overly strict rule that I have to wear robes at all times at the temple, but it wouldn't feel right just walking around otherwise there." He responded to her question before realizing that, wait; he never even told her, "I'm an Air Acolyte!" He cheered.

He smiled widely at her response; yes she definitely seemed like an interesting person to be around. He looked forward to possible adventures they'd have, if the met more often. If he actually thought about everything he did and their probably consequences he'd probably never leave the house. Doing so he would be doing what his parents originally wanted him to do, but really, where was the fun in that? Being cooped up in a house with people tending to your every need wasn't living. "Wouldn't dream of telling you to do so. It would be incredibly hypocritical of me if I did."

When it went quiet he just continued looking out in front of him, smiling and kicking his legs back and forth. Basically just enjoying being up in a tree, and being in the presence of someone else. He wasn't allowed to muse very long when he felt a hand on his shoulder and himself being turned around. He blinked a few times, mildly surprised, before grinning sheepishly. "I would, but I don't really see much of a point in looking at what I can't see. I'm kind of...blind." he replied, pointing at his white eyes, "Though if not looking at you bothers you so much, I could make more of an effort to look at you while we're talking." He offered. He was aware that some people might find his not making eye contact while talking rude, or maybe a little uncomfortable, though he was willing to compromise if it made them feel better.

[Sazra Peo]

Well who’d have guessed it. An Air Acolyte. Sazra had never spoken to one before, but she knew everything books could say about airbenders. History was one of her strong suits, but she wouldn’t have the patience to meditate to save her life. She assumed there was a lot of that happening in an acolyte’s life. “Do they really make you focus on the spiritual aspects of life? What about meditating? Is it a requirement to being an acolyte? How can you stand still?” She was a box of questions and had to stop herself on purpose to give him a chance to reply.

“Good.” Sazra nodded her head, pleased with his reply. It served her well to have likeminded people around, otherwise they would be terribly annoyed with her, which was never exactly pleasant, especially if she gave a damn, which she normally wouldn’t with a practical stranger but Jian seemed… different. Something about his child-like exuberance made her feel at ease, even encouraged her own inner kid a little. It was different, and she had long decided to stride into the world that didn’t allow for her more innocent side to manifest, it was generally tucked away, obscured from taking part in her life. She didn’t even know she had missed it.

Her hand withdrew from his shoulder and came to her mouth in surprise, eyes widening at the realization of her blunder. “O-oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t…” It was such a rare occasion for Sazra to feel embarrassed about something she had said. Staring at his white eyes she couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. She was perfectly capable of communicating with words, touch even, never the shy one, but her visual self was such a great part of her, or at least that’s how she perceived it. That little light inside her that wanted to be seen went out, for the firebender wasn’t truly aware how much people could see without seeing at all. If anything, she saw through her eyes too much.

Momentarily so filled with the grief of his blindness she did something inexplicable. Her arms wrapped around him and drew him into a hug. Sazra did not hug people. Not in such a raw, harmless and communicative way but she had no words to exchange it for. She needed him to know that she was there and not just as a random voice. She needed him to see what she couldn’t tell through words. There was so much she couldn’t say through words! Slowly withdrawing from him, she nearly fell out of the tree due to forgetting being on a branch in the first place, feet seeking support they never found. “I… sorry.” She was apologizing today to one person more than she had all year. “You don’t need to look towards me. I just didn’t notice.” Her position had prevented her from it. She rubbed one of her arms.

“I think I know what you meant when you said you hadn’t thought this through now…” She glanced down from her position in the tree.

[Jian Xu]

Jian couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the onslaught of questions he received after revealing he was an Air Acolyte, though to be honest he wasn't sure if he was the best person to ask. Then again, what kind of acolyte would he be if he couldn't even answer these questions? "Hmm, yeah, there's definitely a lot of that going on, but that's to be expected really. The Air Nomads were really spiritual people, so has been told. Yeah, meditating kind of is a must, though I don't think it to be too hard. It's pretty relaxing, if you can sit still long enough, heh." He answered to the best of his ability. "They're not uber strict about everything, though. Then again, I'm not the best example of an Air Acolyte to begin with." If they were strict he had a feeling he would have gotten thrown out quite a while back. Though his problem mostly lay with staying in one place for too long.

His smile became slightly more sheepish when Sazra apologized. "Oh, no that's okay really." He never fully understood just why some people felt the need to apologize to him when he told them he was blind. It wasn't their fault he was born that way, and knowing that some people legit couldn't tell he was blind at first glance actually made him feel quite happy. He didn't exactly want to be known as Jian, the blind guy. Just Jian, that guy that can't sit still for long. "There's nothing to apologize for-" Then he was pulled into a hug.

No lie, the hug had caught him by surprise, though he wasn't going to protest to it. Hugs were nice and more than a little welcome to the acolyte and he pretty much returned the gesture, though keeping one hand on the branch so he didn't fall off. When she started to withdraw, so did he, laughing a little. "It's okay. Really. I'm actually quite flattered you couldn't really tell until now. Means I'm doing something right, I think." Despite having been told that he didn't have to look towards her, he'd still keep the thought to do so every now and again in the back of his mind.

Instead of looking down like he had before, he kept his gaze fixed in front of him. He laughed at her comment. "I'm honestly not entirely sure what I had been thinking then. Nothing at all, most probably." And probably to prove to himself that he could? Though that came as more of an afterthought. "How high up are we, exactly? I mean, I considered just jumping down, but I'd rather not break anything upon landing." He semi-joked, trying to keep the mood light. Though how broken bones could be seen as 'light' not even Jian really understood.

[Sazra Peo]

“I could tell,” she said dryly through her amusement when he confessed not being the best representative for the acolytes. Just as she had expected, an acolyte life was focused on everything she couldn’t do. As a kid, when she had somehow been impressively more interested in culture and books, she had mused about the possibility, but her parents had just shaken their heads kindly after cleaning up the ashes from the last dresser she had incinerated.

She hadn’t looked closely enough, fully enough. Agni be appalled by her stupidity! She didn’t even know why this mistake bothered her so much, but It did. Smothering some of her self-outrage fire, she took in a breath and started returning to a state of relax after extracting herself from the impromptu hug she had initiated. Her second apology had been about it, actually. No need to clarify. “You’re doing something right alright. You’re besting me in recklessness!” She had an urge to cross her arms and put on an expressive look but she didn’t want to near fall out of the tree again and her expressions suddenly didn’t matter.

It was strange, how that made her relax. She didn’t even know how much effort she was putting into the impression she gave others to see. It was hard work. Did that mean she wasn’t genuine?

His words pulled her out of musing. “Not thinking is fine,” she reassured instantly, then looked down and considered. “High enough to break something if we landed unfortunately,” she assessed bluntly, then got distracted by a different thought. Her lips curved up ironically. “I’m the only kind of bender that’s completely useless in solving your problem with coming back down.” An earthbender could have risen a ground platform for him to be brought down on, a waterbender could have wrapped him into a water cord and brought him down, an airbender could have carried him down on a bed of compressed air, or simply flown down with him, but not her. There was nothing she could do but hurt him with her fire.

She decided they didn’t need to solve that problem in the old fashioned way just yet. Knowing he couldn’t see, she allowed regret to pool freely into her eyes when she looked to him. She wasn’t even sure what it was about. A lot of stupid questions like “Isn’t it hard to not see?” buzzed through her mind and she batted them away in annoyance. “So what do you like to do when you’re not climbing trees you may or may not be able to climb back down from?” was what she asked in the end, a smile in her tone.