Oathkeeper: ...no reviews...this makes me sad. But hey, I posted this pretty late last night. Here's the next part of this crazy idea of mine. Things are starting off a bit slow, but I'm doing this thing (which I forgot to mention), in that the main characters write about their first time that they realized a possible relationship between Katara and Zuko. Whether it's sincere, or willing to accept that fact that things such as crazy teenage love can happen, this is what I'm doing for the first six chapters. Oh, and if you think I don't realize that you put me on alert but then don't reivew, then you're wrong. I SEE EVERYTHING. Well, not really, but you get what I mean.
Dislcaimer: I own my computer and that's about it. Be happy I don't own Avatar.
Understanding the Tradition
Prompt #31 – Jewelry
No matter how many times I saw girls gleaming over a piece of jewelry, I never understood what made them so happy. The men of my nation would shower women with jewelry; whether it was silver, gold or even copper, the women would always appreciate the man's token of thoughtfulness.
But she was different. Her culture was different, and I don't mean by elements. My uncle once told me that the Fire Nation is known for having much desire and will in what they do. People of our Nation will do anything no matter what the outcome, to achieve what they want. Nothing stood in our way…even family members, which I have so shamefully experienced. When it comes to our dreams or desires, everything around us is shrouded by fog and our judgment is impaired.
Don't get me wrong, there are people in our Nation in which such principles do not apply. It's rare, but it happens. My mother was like this. She never let the strange rules of our Nation to hinder her opinion. Just like the Water Tribes, she had a deep sense of community…and love.
At the time I found her necklace, I was not like this. I didn't care for anything around me; all I wanted was to capture the Avatar and restore my honor which I had lost from my own father. Before my mother left, I felt as if everything around me was alright, and if I ever felt alone or scared, I could turn to her. Sadly enough, all these ideals escaped my body when I awoke that one sad morning. She was no longer a part of my life.
But finding this necklace was an omen; an omen that things would soon change for the better. My crew told me of a rebellion out at Fire Nation camp and how soldiers had spotted a flying bison and two young teenagers and a boy with arrow tattoos. Just like many times before, I had failed at capturing them. What I didn't realize, is that I'd find something that would bring back the old me.
Everything around me had become still. Without flinching, I observed the area around me, noticing there was no one left but the lucky soldiers who managed to not get caught in the mess. Even after the rebellion, they cowardly ran for their ships.
I stepped forward, listening only to my footsteps as they made a faint sound on the metal surface. Then something caught my eye. It was her necklace.
I approached the piece of jewelry ever so slowly. I can't explain why I was doing so, I just was. It took me a few seconds to acknowledge the fact that it was hers. A part of me didn't want to remember her. But for some reason, when I looked at this necklace which was so neatly placed on the harsh metal surface, she automatically came to my mind.
Reminiscences of her wearing it came to me, how the circular charm hung gracefully from the velvet band, and how its luminous color contrasted beautifully against her chestnut colored skin. Back then, a person such as myself should not have been thinking such things, but my body and mind refused to let go of what I was feeling and what I was thinking.
From the moment I spotted the piece of jewelry, to the time I picked it up from the ground, grasping it lightly in my palm, I had lost complete control of my body. It was as if her necklace was giving off some magical aura that only I could absorb. The other soldiers and my uncle just stood there, just a few feet from me. They were engaged in some conversation about Pai Sho, while I on the other hand, was captivated by this piece of jewelry that I had only seen a few times.
As usual, my uncle noticed I had found the necklace and started telling me the traditions of their nation. To tell you the truth, I really didn't care about her Watertribe customs, but for some strange reason, the tradition of a man carving a necklace and giving it to the one he loves, stuck with me. For just a split moment, I cared.
Weeks later, I had caught up with them once again and the necklace was still within my pockets. Everyday, I protected it from harm.
I remember her reaction when I interrogated her. Her eyes lit up so brightly that the moon should have been ashamed. Unlike my people, she worshiped this piece of jewelry with all her heart. I could feel it within her.
She begged me to return it to her, but that was a long time ago, and I had no heart. My heart was nonexistent and her pleads meant nothing to me.
What saddens me is that it took something like a piece of jewelry and an interrogation for me to admit that I really knew her name all along.
Oathkeeper: I've already started the next prompt...I'm not telling you what it is yet, but it's in the PoV of one of my favorite characters ever! I'm sure you'll guys enjoy the next installment! PLEASE REVIEW.
Oh, and who's totally excited about the new episode coming up next week? I AM! A preview is up on the Nick site at the video player thing...can't remember what it's called...
