AN: Whoa. So, um, this is my first big, multi chapter thing, and I am kind of scared. Hence, I am requesting that if you so desire, please, help me with this. Nothing is set in stone yet, so if you want something to happen, just review with it. I am intimidated by this big of a project and would like as much help as possible. Anyways, here we go! On with the story!
Prolouge
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
- Robert Frost, Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
It was all quiet outside.
Inside, it all seemed the same. However, the rustling of fabric and the hushed tones in which things were said highlighted the fact that whatever was going on in there was illegal.
The room was large and warm, filled with the light of candles and occasionally lit up by the effervescent happiness of a human down on Earth. The furniture was sparse, only a baker's dozen chairs and a small table in the centre of the room, but it still emitted the sense of home that everywhere in the building did.
The chair at the head of the table creaked as the person sitting in it turned away from the mirror on the wall and towards the rest of those sitting. When the figure spoke, it's voice was young and weary, as though it had seen too much of the world already.
"It cannot be changed."
The woman sitting next to him tentatively lifted her hand and put it on his shoulder. Flinched at the touch at first, but relaxed into it. Taking this as encouragement, she spoke, and passion filled her clear tones.
"You needn't be so afraid. They can handle this."
The man on her other side groaned in frustration and buried his head in his hands. "Man, this sucks! Is there anything we can do?"
The youngest of the group a child, spoke up from her place on the other side of the first man. "We can wait." She called out, her clear tones echoing through the room, bouncing off the walls and resounding through the minds of her companions. "We can wait, and we can guide them." A strange look flitted across her face, and she continued, more solemnly. "They will need it, considering what they will be put through."
A reverent silence followed as they realized the gravity of the situation.
THe silence was broken by a squeak, as the chair that it came from was subjected to it's occupant leaning back.
"We can help them, can't we?" he drawled, unimpressed. The others turned towards the source of the disturbance, as the calculating man fastened his sharp gaze on the back of the first man's chair. He smirked, pleased with the attention, and continued his thought. "After all, we can't directly interfere."
The others gave the man a look that clearly said that's-why-we-can't-help-idiot, and he rolled his eyes. He leaned into the circle, unable to disguise the excitement colouring his cheeks with an air of aloof indifference. He was animated again for the first time since they had heard the news. He grinned slyly and whispered "But we can help indirectly, can't we?"
At the blank looks he was receiving, he again rolled his eyes, and said "So it wouldn't be illegal for them to meet."
The woman sitting next to him rose, her feet making no sound as they hit the floor, and continued his thought, the same emotions visible in her as she understood his train of thought. "And it certainly wouldn't be our fault if that made them remember."
There was a pause, and then, as if a dam had broken, everyone spoke at once, the opinions of those against it mingling with the musings of those who agreed. It continued in this fashion for some time, until a girl, stately and regal, rose from the table.
"We must. Otherwise, they cannot win."
This hushed the rabble, and the first man sighed.
" Go." There was an explosion of movement, the sound of scraping chairs and clattering heels dominating the room as each of the people headed off to their respective stations.
It came to a point where only the first speaker and the woman who sat next to him remained.
The man turned to the woman next to him and gazed solemnly into her eyes. "Keep watch over them. Otherwise, they will get carried away."
She turned away from him, heading towards the door, before pausing, and turning ever so slightly towards him.
"This will all work out, somehow."
She turned completely, and her last words were almost swallowed by the wind.
"Don't lose hope⦠Aang."
AN II: Sorry if it's a bit confusing. It should be. Tell me if I should keep going! Ask me questions! Just review, please.
