A/N: I know, I haven't updated this one in a while. But, like I said at the beginning, this is just something I work on when I have spare time and I feel like it. Anyway, I find I'm actually having to think a little bit about how this string of alternates is going and make vaguely plot-related decisions. It makes it too much like I'm working on the story again. But I've managed to get through that for this chapter, at least, so I hope you enjoy it.
Jura took a few deep breaths to steel herself and walked into Dongzhou's office. The earthbending master's lips did not smile, but his eyes did.
"Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the place before his desk, "May I offer you some tea? The winter grows colder every day, it seems."
She nodded, keeping her own gaze modestly lowered, and knelt down. Her tall, gaunt frame meant that she still loomed over him. The dark green temple acolyte's robes she wore hung loose about her.
"Thank you, master," she said quietly, "You're very kind."
She waited in silence as he bent the steaming clay pot into the air and poured, then nudged the cup to sit directly in front of her, not once touching either object with his hands.
The two of them sipped at the near-scalding drink, then Dongzhou addressed the matter at hand.
"So, what brings you to my humble abode?" he asked, "Have the spirits spoken of me lately?"
"No, master," she replied, trying not to grip the cup too tightly, "But my grandfather's memory spoke to me last night and told me the time had come to repay the debt I owe him."
That got Dongzhou's attention and he sat up as straight as his bent back could manage.
"You're certain?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
She nodded. "Absolutely."
He sighed, his shoulders slumping downwards.
"What does he want of you, then?"
"You've agreed to send a certain initiate on the path to the horizon," Jura said, "I have to go with her and her companions, apparently."
Dongzhou didn't question how she knew this, but he still frowned.
"I was planning to send an initiate along to keep an eye on them, but not you. You're too important to endanger that way and the certain initiate in question has a questionable character, as does those she travels with. Did your grandfather explain why this was what he wanted?"
Jura shrugged, letting out a sigh of her own.
"No, he didn't. I'm sorry. But it's very important that I do this, I know that much. I don't know how or why yet, but I send you a message as soon as I find out. If you don't approve of my going, I'll leave the city and find this woman on my own. I can't break my promise, master. But I'd prefer it if you did approve. I think it would make things easier for both of us."
He nodded.
"So it would. Very well, then. I am not one to argue with the spirits, even that of your grandfather. I'll send you over to their quarters with a letter for Siensao. That's the woman you're looking for. And I will pray for your safe return."
Now Jura found herself knocking on the door of this Siensao, and wondering how to explain herself. The door slid open to reveal a middle-aged man who smiled at her though an enormous beard. She didn't miss the sword at his belt. But she refrained from opening her spiritual eyes.
"I was told to talk to Siensao," she said, holding out Dongzhou's letter. Her own smile was quite peaceful. He took the letter, held up a hand, palm outwards, then closed the door, leaving Jura feeling a little foolish, standing there in the hall. Shortly afterwards, though, he opened it again and gestured for her to enter, bowing formally.
Siensao turned out to be quite something to Jura's unique sight. Her ancestral tree is dark with rot and she has been gifted with its more dangerous talents. The woman was not to be trifled with. She was also, however, the soul of politeness, even bowing to Jura as she walked in. The rest of the group was apparently elsewhere, as save for her and the silent swordsman, the room was empty.
"What made Dongzhou choose you as our minder?" she asked, after exchanging pleasantries and names. "Don't misunderstand, I welcome any additions to our little company that we can get. But I'd like to know more about you and how we can work together in the future. What's your trade, exactly? What do you do for the White Lotus?"
"I'm a sculptor sometimes," Jura said, relaxing, "Most of the time I serve the Singing Mountain Temple in the Yanzhou District as an acolyte. The money from my goods helps to maintain and supply the temple. What I do for the White Lotus is just to give troubled initiates advice and a place to rest and think."
"I see," Siensao said, though her tone made it clear she did not.
"I'm also an earthbender," Jura went on, "and student of the Way of the Patient Stone. My mind and my spirit are as one, and no one under my protection will be harmed if I can stop it." She didn't mention the stone that made up her left leg from the mid-thigh on down just yet.
"Ah," Siensao said, managing to compact a good deal into the single syllable. "I thought that might have been the case. Well, it's good to have you with us, Jura. We're leaving tomorrow, so don't unpack too much. Once the rest of the team gets back, I'll introduce you. I think you'll like it here."
"I am where I'm meant to be," Jura answered, causing the merchant's eyebrows to jump slightly, "But I think you're right."
As Dongzhou at last rose from his desk for the night, letting out a great yawn, the door opened once again and a woman stepped in that made him sit right back down again, sweat breaking out on his brow.
"Hello," said Reki, grinning widely at him, "Not who you were expecting? Didn't Siensao tell you I'd be stopping by? I'm hurt that she thinks so little of my intelligence. Then again, it does make this more amusing."
The old master's face crinkled into a glare and he reached out to the stone around them.
"You're a fool to challenge an earthbender in his element, Blood Drinker," he told her sternly. "I don't know how you got in here, but if you intend violence, you won't be getting back out." She rolled her eyes, strolling across the chamber, her three-fingered hand resting insolently on her sword hilt.
"Don't piss your smallclothes, old man, I just need to know where Karida's going so I can tag along and keep an eye on her. I'm concerned for her well-being, you see."
"I'll tell you nothing," he insisted.
She took a deep sniff of the air, then, looking him in the eyes, let out a long, quivering, satisfied sigh that made him shiver.
"Ah, that sweet old song. The first time is always the best, somehow. It's never quite the same after someone's broken properly. But since you'd probably die of shock if I do anything more intense than nick you, I'll be gentle. I'll let you make your own decision on this one. I'm just going to make sure you have all the necessary information to do it. That's all I'm going to do, just talk." She snapped her fingers and a desert tribesman hauled in one of Dongzhou's servants, bound and gagged, her eyes wide and desperate. The tribesman shoved her down onto her hands and knees and Reki promptly sat down on the unfortunate woman's back, propping her legs up on the master's desk.
"Much better," Reki said, her smile growing wicked, "Your hospitality is shameful. Now then. Let's talk."
