Chapter 5 Takashi

Takashi sat alone on the Southern wall of the Northern Water tribe city, gazing silently out to sea. As he sat, he diligently continued carving an intricate design into a small piece of silver with his water tribe pocket knife. Occasionally he paused blowing the excess silver flakes from its surface and held it up to eye level, meticulously inspecting the progress of the intricate design.

"Takashi my boy," a voice suddenly interrupted his work. The young man turned to find his uncle, Master Paku standing beside him. "Your brother is looking for you."

"I'll be right there Uncle," he sighed turning back to the horizon Master Paku leaned against the wall next to his nephew.

"Home is not always where the heart is, is it Takashi," he said softly. Takashi just turned to his uncle and sighed. "By the way your eyes are glued on the southern horizon, I take it you met girl in our sister tribe. Takashi smiled slightly and blushed a little.

"Well…" Master Paku suddenly caught a glimpse of the small shining piece of metal hidden in Takashi's hand.

"And what's this, my boy," he pulled Takashi's hand forward revealing the partially completed engagement charm that he had been carving. Master Paku stared up at his nephew in surprise, "Why didn't you say anything Takashi, why didn't you let anyone know how serious things were, she could have come home with us."

"Uncle," Takashi interrupted, "I don't even know that it is serious, I don't even know if she feels the same way?" Paku looked to his nephew a little confused.

"You mean you've never told her how you feel about her." Takashi nodded.

"Oh my boy," Paku chuckled, "what are you waiting for."

Takashi turned to his uncle, "well it's not like I can do anything about it right now."

"Now I know I didn't train you to give up so easily," Master Paku sighed.

"What are you saying, that I should just pack up and leave right now and go back to the South Pole." Master Paku just smiled at his nephew. Takashi smiled back. In an instant he leapt from the wall and gave his uncle a quick hug. "Thanks uncle…..are you sure you don't need me to stay."

"What good are you if you're just going to be moping around all day long, of course I'm sure, Go and good luck."

"Thanks uncle!"

To be continued