Chapter Two: Kaihen
Kaya jumped onto the deck of the dock, tied up her boat, and payed the fair. It seemed a tad busier in the Earth Kingdom town than it was in her hometown. First things first; she needed to know what part of the Kingdom she was in. An old man in forest green attire passed by. She tapped his shoulder.
"Excuse me, sir," she said politely.
He turned around and smiled sweetly. "How may I help you, miss?"
"Would you be kind enough to tell me what town I am in?" she asked.
He nodded. "Why, you are in none other than Kaihen on the very seashore of the Earth Kingdom itself!"
"Do you know where there might be a place where I could stay for the night?"
He nodded and gave her directions to an inn further into the city. The fishing industry seemed to be much more productive in Kaihen. Might as well be since it's on the coast. Fish merchants had built stalls all over the town, even in the dark alleyways. She would have to get used to the slight scent of salmon in the air. At least it was better than inhaling smoke.
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"Uncle, how far to the next town?" Zuko asked impatiently.
Prince Zuko and General Iroh walked along a cobblestone path. Unfortunately, their bird and also their means of transportation, had been stolen a few days ago. They only had a few supplies left since the rest was with their bird. And of course, without plenty of water and food, Zuko was becoming short tempered. . . Well, more short tempered at least.
"Patience, Zuko," Iroh said. "We'll find get to a town soon enough."
Zuko folded his arms and covered his eyes with his hat.
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Kaya was sitting on the roof of the tall inn and looking out at the beach far off.
That was where she would build her new home.
She loved the beaches here. It was so much more calm here and peaceful. It was like a whole new world to her in fact. The sound of the waves crashing softly against the rocks, the gentle breeze flowing through the air. But most of all, the most gorgeous sunset she had ever seen in her life. The sun already beautiful as a fading orange glow in the sky setting into the horizon while the ocean reflects its beauty with the light dazzling in its path. Kaya took in a deep breath of the salt-water-scented air and lied down on the stone roof.
Such a beautiful beginning.
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The next morning, Kaya hired ten men to help her build her a house a bit more than a quarter of a mile away from the beaches. She spent the whole day cutting down trees and cementing stones. A grueling day of hard work, but every time she felt as if she could not go on, she kept thinking of how nice it would turn out when they were finished.
Around sunset, she was more determined than ever. She began singing a song that her mother taught her while she was still little.
My child, my child,
Such hard days we endure
But not without reward
Use your spirit, so pure
The day shall come
When your lucky stars shine
Smiling upon your face
Knowing that you'll be fine
Everything will be fine.
