Saran walked Mayumi and Satchiko towards the center of this camp. They went pass many people, all friendly and busying with their daily lives. It's nice to see the way of life of this particular people when you are standing at their level. It allows both Kyoshi warriors to better understand the world beyond their island.
After seeing more people living here, they slowly noticed that plenty of men allowed their hair to grow long, and tied them into multiple braids. It's interesting, as the hairstyle is uniformly replicated on many males, especially those who are fit to fight.
Satchiko's face has already been cleaned up after Saran and other women washed her face rigorously. It was extremely difficult, as the face paint of every Kyoshi warrior is water proofed. Asides from saliva, few substances in this world has the properties to easily wipe away the paints.
Both sisters now have their kimono repaired by women who knew sewing here. Their faces are now bare, which made them looked very different when they still have those makeup.
"Thanks for those flowers, it seems my idiot husband does have quite the luck whenever he gets himself into a mess! You two must be starving!" Saran laughed in a friendly manner. "But don't worry, your dinner tonight would make you so stuffed, that you wish you hadn't even eat it in the first place!" She joked, which did amused the two exhausted Kyoshi warriors to a certain extent. "The food is a little simple though, just plain roasted meat. You probably won't find any vegetables around here!"
"Well," Satchiko started. Smiling after hearing the prospect that the food must be very nourishing. "We haven't eaten anything in ages! My stomach can probably fit just about anything now!" Her stomach then rumbled a little, which went undetected by Mayumi and Khenbish's wife. "Anyway it's nice that I try eat something other than fish and seafood!" She chanted pleasantly.
"Oh?" The older women went on, confused by Satchiko's words. "You two live near the ocean?"
"Well yes, but we are from an island more specifically." Mayumi replied to clarify. "Our small island don't have any land livestocks, so provisions such as meat are very rare."
While Kyoshi island's geographical conditions have blessed its inhabitants with excellent access to ocean resources, the minimal presence of terrestrial animals such as cattle does have its own drawbacks. For one, there is a strong dependency in the fishing industry, almost all of their food comes from the sea. While there are limited agriculture dedicated to growing rice and plants on the island, their food security has always centered around fish and seafood. If that is compromised, disaster would surely come.
"That's unfortunate," Saran said. "For us, we eat hunted land meat from the wilds almost every meal! You should have as much as you want, it's the least we can provide for you protecting my son."
Upon hearing this, Mayumi and Satchiko widened their eyes. They both stopped walking to check if they have heard Saran correctly.
"Wait, you mean you are Batu's Mum?" Satchiko asked with a confused look. Saran doesn't even look remotely similar to Batu. Her and Khenbish's faces are much too round when compared to the little boy they have just met. "I thought Khenbish only had one daughter?"
"Well," Saran replied slowly, voice toned down and more neutral. "Batu is our adapted son, but even so, we treated him just like one of our own." There was no signs of ulterior motives extracted from the mother's voice. It was firm and confident, making Mayumi and Satchiko doubtless of her true intentions. "Ever since he had became part of this family, he has been nothing but joy to the entire group."
"Did something happened to his parents?" Mayumi cautiously asked, knowing it's not the best question for the mother.
Even Satchiko felt this wasn't a good talking point in the conversation, she suddenly remembered Batu's disdain and hatred towards the air nomads, how he hated their way of life. Something tells her that the death of Batu's parents may have some links to those air temple monks. Even though her sister might incite some unpleasant memories by simply asking, she also felt she must know what happened in the past.
Saran only stared at the Mayumi blankly, there wasn't any anger or sadness, only understanding. Mayumi had expected this abnormal reaction. Upon even mentioning the air nomads, Batu became angry, Ganbaatar was hostile. Could Saran have her own history with the Air nomads as well?
As Satchiko watched confusingly at the conversation, Saran produced a difficult and understanding smile and patted the older sister's shoulder. It did somehow reminded them of Akahana, who despite her supposedly aggressive tendencies, only wishes for the best of her children.
"They both are in a better place now, that is all I can tell you." Saran uneasily answered Mayumi's question. "But please, I hope you two can promise me that you wouldn't ask Batu what happened to his parents. The boy was small back then, like many children in this world, he should never endured so much pain and suffering at that age." Saran revealed hesitantly. Each word took more effort to escape out of her mouth than it normally would, as if Saran desperately wanted to avoid the topic. "Come on, we should probably get some meat!" Saran tried to inject some enthusiasm back into her voice, implying Satchiko and Mayumi to continue following after her. No matter how much Saran tried to conceal her own discomfort, it doesn't stop the Kyoshi warriors from sympathizing her struggle. People who have witnessed horror would carry painful memories like a very heavy baggage, which will never be neglected no matter how much a person tried to forget about it.
Both Kyoshi warriors stood there for a while, observing Saran's back as she headed towards the center. Even Satchiko can feel the woman's uncomfortable attempt to be more optimistic, she knew Saran doesn't want to talk about what happened in the past. While this woman may be strong, they knew even she has vulnerabilities, like everyone else in this world.
Satchiko and Mayumi resumed their walk, treading gently across the grass, lights emitted from bonfires slowly presented themselves in their view. While none of the people here wanted to openly talk about their past, it only prompted Satchiko to be even more determined in knowing their back story. Especially about why did they hate the air nomads so much. Aren't the people of the Air Nation supposed to be a peace loving people?
...
The center of the camp is very vibrant, lots of people gathered around the large yellow tent that served as the main meeting area for the clan. The festival area ground are surrounded by tug banners, made with sky bison fur painted in the color of white. For them, the color is always displayed during times of peace. When people don't have to worry about external threats such as wars, they would always utilize this color. These people don't belong to any states. They are not obligated to any petty civil wars of those sedentary people.
All the nomads bore happy faces and cheerful spirits as they celebrated a very important day. Each year, they are holding a feast to commemorate the day when they began their journey around the world.
Multiple bisons are also seen in the area, all wearing special decorations and ornaments, which signified their importance in this celebration. They didn't do much themselves, just grazing away stacks of hay laying around the area. Occasionally, little children would ride on them for fun, using the tails as slides.
All the while, adults preoccupied themselves with their own socializing, telling stories about the old ways of life, long long ago. They all sat comfortably around the massive bonfires, drinking, eating, laughing and drinking again. Accompanied by musicians, who played various instruments such as flutes made of bison horns.
The night continued merrily as none of it was being disturbed. People slowly roasted their delicious meat over the warm flames, which crackled and burned as the roast produced a strong aroma that is abundant across the camp. Multiple hunted animals such as wild hogs are especially prioritized. They roasted them at the center of the largest bonfire. Cooks would ensure the hog is not over cooked, and apply some spices and herbs when needed.
Across the area, socialization is almost integral in a small community like this. Everyone knows their fellow clansman like family, and a great sense of community always bind these people together through times of hardship.
Among the campfires, a girl, similar to Mayumi's age, sat near the warmth of the fires. A baby bison is sleeping right next to her, leaning its large head on her beautiful dress. She petted its head softly as to not awoken it up. The girl herself looked like any other girl in the world, but unlike most of them, she has something not everyone is 'lucky' enough to possess. She stared unwavering into the fire, concentrating on the flickering flames as it danced to the rhythm of the wind. So intense it was, that reflections of the fire appeared across her eye pupils. It wasn't until a slight disturbance would force her to turn around and break her line of sight with the well lit fire.
The sound of chewing, rude and unmannered, is getting irritating loud. The girl looked annoyingly to her sides. There he was, Batu, just eating his food without caring much about the world around him. He is currently gobbling down some roasted meat from the wooden skewers he is holding, devouring them all at once. His bleeding nose have been checked by the physician, and there doesn't appear to be any effects on his health. The little boy looked as fit as ever, although his appetite might have become more voracious.
"Chew carefully!" The older girl stated in a hushed tone. "If you don't, your throat might get stuck!" Even when lecturing Batu on basic manners, she is still aware of the baby bison that is resting on her lap. "Can you at least show some awareness? How can you eat when Dad has injured himself in battle?"
Batu did not adhere and grabbed another skewer with meat on it, he bite again, this time a mouthful of food. He mumbled some words while he chewed the food into pieces. "Like that would actually happen, I always eat like this and never choke myself!" He asserted overconfidently. "Besides, you are always worrying too much Sarangerel. Dad is going to be just fine!"
"You shouldn't say things like this so casually," Sarangerel warned with an exasperated look. "The Khan and Ganbaatar said he is fine, but they also said Dad cannot walk properly without a walking stick." She is already worried when she and Saran saw Batu rushed into the camp. He was unconscious before, but now Khenbish is the one who is the source of her concern. While Ganbaatar assured them her father suffered no major health issues, she and Saran cannot help but feel anxious about the situation. Her mother Saran tasked her to look after Batu while she checked on Khenbish. Now, they are only waiting for the news regarding his status.
Hopefully there is nothing wrong, Sarangerel prayed.
Batu suddenly choked on his food. Ironically, his careless boast failed to agree with his reality. But luckily the girl's quick thinking prompted her to pat his back forcefully, helping him averted this uncomfortable experience. The chunk of meat was forcefully coughed out of the little boy's mouth, flying right onto the baby bison's head. Luckily, the creature was not awoken by it.
"That's disgusting!" Sarangerel complained. She has combed the hair of that bison for a while now, and it has been ruined in a split second.
"Um, are you going to touch that?" Batu wondered. Sarangerel loves sky bisons, after all, their family are responsible for raising and caring for some of them. Naturally, she would have interacted with a lot of the younger bisons until they have grown into adults. Thus, developing a strong penchant for them.
"Of course not!" She refuted sharply. Sarangerel moved her hands, waving it around the baby bison's head. She compressed the air around her into a small rotating ball, which enveloped that chunk of meat on the bison's head. Without making any noise, she levitated it from the fur, making the meat hovering on the air before discarding it into the fire.
Batu blinked his eyes. "Woah, I didn't know you can do that." Batu exclaimed excitedly. "I thought the air bending warriors only taught you techniques on how to shoot air at opponents. They never told me I have to learn whatever this is."
Every member of this group who have airbending would train together to strengthen their skills as airbenders. Due to them often encountering dangerous elements across the Earth Kingdom, such as bandits and warlord troops, many focused on learning forceful attacks such as using air to aggressively pummel a foe, creating powerful wind blasts and other techniques all with the aim to disarray or kill their enemies. When a person is deemed to have mastered these deadly skills, they would receive a grey arrow tattooed onto their body. The arrow would be visible on a person's forehead, which implied their completion of their training course. Batu is also part of the training, but he hasn't reached the end of it yet. Perhaps one day he too can get his own grey tattoo.
"Well," Sarangerel chuckled. "Actually, it wasn't a person who taught me this." She knew this would confuse Batu, who became curious about her new skill. Not many people in this village has ever demonstrated conjuring a small ball of air and use it to move an inanimate object. "Let me tell you a secret," Sarangerel said quietly, leaning in closer to Batu's ears. "When I was feeding baby bisons today, they are the ones who taught me how to do it! Sometimes they even would make air balls and chase them around! Don't you think that is just cute?" Her voice was full of enthusiasm, it's obvious she loves the job of raising baby bisons.
"What?" Batu blurted out. But before he can further question her sister about this bizarre explanation, he suddenly noticed his mother has returned. Two young girls are behind her, but he doesn't recognize who they are until the familiar black armor comes into his view.
"Batu!" Satchiko cried, mood lightened. "You are ok!"
The little boy is also glad to see them. While Sarangerel talked with Saran about her father's status, Batu spoke with Satchiko and Mayumi.
"Man, you two look almost like different people without those paints!" He said surprisingly. "Anyway, check this out!" Batu eagerly hold out a plate full of food. The food are all white dumpling looking objects, almost identical. Each of them has a skin of flour wrapped around meat. From the appearance of this never seen before dish, it is believed that it must have been cooked using steam.
"Batu, is this what I think it is?" Satchiko smiled at this presentation. The little boy has already started to give them food.
"Yes, this is the buuz!" He exclaimed loudly, causing others in the bonfire to look at their direction. For them, buuz is nothing to get excited about. "Here, try some!" Batu said.
Satchiko noticed that no one here uses chopsticks. Therefore she removed her gloves, revealing her hand and grabbed a dumplinh and shoved it into her wide mouth. She managed to bite off half of it, revealing the secret content inside. She has eaten many things, but the meat inside the layer of flour tasted new, completely foreign to the girl who have feasted on fish and seafood for most of her life. It was much tastier than she has expected, the flour was sweet, and the meat itself felt very tender and well insulated.
As the girl herself savored the flavor, Mayumi was the next one to eat the food. The older girl had heard about diverse cooking techniques of the mainland Earth Kingdom. Although there are probably hundreds if not thousands of individual cuisines in the land, the technique of steaming your food is very well known around the world. This steamed dumpling is probably made by heating the dumplings after placing them into bamboo steamers, by which the water's hot steam would flow from below and cook the food in a very convenient way.
"I see, so dad is not in any immediate danger." Sarangerel sighed in relief. Her entire body relaxed as she felt a heavy weight has been removed off her. She turned around and notice Satchiko and Mayumi, who is still enjoying the food Batu gave them. She is thankful that these two strangers have protected Batu before Ganbaatar got to them. When they heard the loud sound of the emergency horn, everyone was worked up and worried about the kid.
The little boy now held up two mugs of fermented milk. There wasn't much explanation needed, as the Kyoshi warriors knew this must be their cultural beverage. He gave it to Mayumi and Satchiko, who isn't so sure how it's produced.
"This is the drink I told you about," Batu explained to Satchiko. "They are from the sky bisons, and people say it tastes very good!"
"You never tasted it before?" Satchiko raised an eyebrow. Fermented milk are just like wine. When you drink them, you will get a stinging sensation.
Mayumi's face is a little amused. "You should be a food reviewer, you got the gift!" She said to Batu, who responded by scratching his head in slight embarrassment.
Sarangerel is still filling in more details about Khenbish's conditions. With her back still turned, she is unaware about Batu giving fermented milk to Satchiko and Mayumi.
"Batu!" A middle aged voice called. "I don't think you are old enough to drink this!" He hurried over, almost tumbling to the ground.
Batu turned around, and saw Ganbaatar walking over to them. The man no longer is in his lamellar armor, instead, he only wore a simple brown fur deel that compliments his fur hat. The bandage on his leg is surprisingly still very clean, which demonstrated the physician's competent skill in healing.
After giving his armor to the blacksmith's tent, and handled some other tasks, he made his way here to get some dinner. He still got his saber on the side of his waist, still sheathed. The man is appeared cautious, if only he had the same attitude during the battle, he might not have suffered the leg wound.
He quickly took the mug from the boy, who hopelessly reacted with an annoyed expression. Satchiko grew amused. But before she herself can take a tiny sip out of the mug, Mayumi used her hand and stopped it too.
"Maybe when you are older," Mayumi suggested. It might be an overprotective measure, but preventing Satchiko from consuming alcohol now would be much better for the girl's future. She took the mug and handed them to Ganbaatar, who in turn gave Batu a new drink with different content in them. It was simply milk, normal looking milk with no modifications.
Batu stared at Ganbaatar with disgust, which made Satchiko chuckled a little. The young boy is very worked up about this, and possibly is about to throw a tantrum.
"Uncle Ganbaatar, I thought today was a special day!" He complained. "When we have our toasts am I going to use normal sky bison milk instead of the fermented one?"
The middle aged warrior nodded attentively. He easily brushed off the intimidating childish act. While he himself probably consumes alcohol, he would never condone young people doing the same.
"You are a still growing boy," he lectured, leaving no room for compromises. "Fermented milk isn't good in helping you grow. If you want to earn that Grey Arrow, first you need to make your bones stronger. We don't want anything broken if you fall off while flying up in the air now do we?" There was a bit of humor in his voice. He was clearly messing with the kid in a non-harmful way. But there are after all, practical concerns at stake here, especially with Batu's physical capacity. Stronger bone mass is certainly vital in building a strong warrior. Airbenders, who suffers from frequent falls, would most likely damage their bones if they don't have sufficient food intake.
The men around the nearby bonfire laughed a little, they have heard what has happened. A little fun around the camp are nice addition to today's event.
"Better grow tall quick!" One of them chuckled. He then sipped a cup of fermented milk, obviously trying to poke fun at the little kid.
Batu huffed, and crossed his arms to display his displeasure. It was actually a little cute seeing the boy doing this.
"Now now kid, don't give me that look." Ganbaatar brushed off the unimpressive display easily. "Eat more meat, drink the milk, grow tall and then next time we go out hunting, I will let you hunt larger prey like a, um, a Fox antelope or something. I don't know."
"No," Batu sharply stated. "I want to hunt a badgermole!"
Ganbaatar wiped the sweat off his forehead when he heard the boy's ambition. "You are dreaming big dreams kid, but not even I would go that far. Those beasts live underneath the earth itself."
"They wouldn't taste very good either!" A random woman yelled loudly from another bonfire. She is putting some season on the hog, and is about to cut it off not pieces and distribute it. While these people often eat wild hunted animals, a badgermole would be a huge ask. Simply preparing them is a cheif's greatest nightmare. Besides, who would be so disrespectful as to harm one of the original benders?
"Yeah, what she just said." Ganbaatar seemly agreed with the woman in the background. "Well then, I hope you three can enjoy the night, I'm going to get some refreshments for myself." He hurried away into the crowds, and sat alone on an empty log near another bonfire. Taking occasional sips from a bowl of fermented milk, he only watched the fire as others around him laughed and chat the night away. He is just there, alone.
"Mayumi," Satchiko called out. "Let's get some more food, maybe they might have something else we can eat!" There were some hints of eagerness in girl's voice, clearly she hungers for more dinner.
"You two," Sarangerel called out. She had gently placed the baby bison fully on the grass, allowing it to sleep undisturbed. "I want to thank you for defending my brother today," she sincerely shaked the hands of both Kyoshi warriors and bowed to them courteously. They introduced one another, and Batu waited impatiently until they are finally done with it.
"Wow, you are an air-bender as well." Satchiko noted. Things just got even more interesting. It appears that Batu and Sarangerel's situation is similar to her own. All of them have non-bender parents, but still they are lucky enough to receive bending despite that.
"My sister is very good at air-bending!" Batu uttered out of the blue. "Once, I saw her took down a wild platypus-bear all by herself! That creature was very dangerous...and yummy!"
This support from Batu did made Sarangerel feel embarrassed a little, but she smiled modestly nonetheless. Saran than tasked Sarangerel to take care of the guests. The daughter invited Satchiko and Mayumi to follow her into the large yellow tent, moving past everyone else who is still cooking the meat outside. As she waved at the people she is familiar with, the four of them went past the guards and entered the giant tent from the front entrance. The mother remained behind, she joined the cooks in cutting the roasted hogs, and served them to the attendees.
Before they did, Mayumi casted a quick glance at Ganbaatar, sitting alone on a log. A strange sack of bag is next to him, and something is in there. A small bit of it is visible through a hole. As Satchiko and Mayumi stepped their foot inside, they immediately realized how much bigger it actually is. There are people doing similar thing activities from the outside. But Instead of sitting on logs or on the grass, here everyone rested on wool rugs made with fur dropped by the bisons. Plenty of small wooden tables are placed into different areas, allowing people to place their cups and bowls whenever they are not eating. The food are mostly just roasted ribs of some wild animal, and also wine, lots of wine.
Alcohol should always be consumed on moderation, even during celebrations. Drunkenness is a detrimental trait no one should exhibit.
The people sat on both sides of this tent. There was a path, unobstructed, leading to the other side of front entrance. A small empty throne, guarded by two lamellar warriors on either sides, is placed over there. It is made of wood and some metal that appeared to have been crudely melted together. The artistic design of the throne is much more intricate. A grey downward arrow symbol is painted on the back, and the two arms are carved into small statues that resembles two sky bisons, roaring menacingly. Even though there is a small cushion on that seat, it must have been extremely uncomfortable to rest one's body on it. With such an impressive showcase of a chair, she knew it must have been reserved for the only person that deserves to sit on it.
As the younger girl looked at the chair itself, she also noticed the armor stand weapon racks near the throne. They are empty, meaning the owner is not here yet.
The four of them soon found a table full of girls of many ages, which still have some vacant spaces for them to sit. They were just having some roasted meat and other delicacies as the Kyoshi warriors came into the tent. Once they have stationed, the girls greeted them with delighted manner.
In an instant, Sarangerel then eagerly presented them with the White Dragon flower Satchiko delivered, which made them all gasped in surprise.
"It can't be!" One of the girls said, not feeling convinced. "Your dad can't be that lucky, right?"
Sarangerel didn't argue, she placed some petals into a teapot, which just so happens to have hot water in it. Everyone, except for Batu, waited with anticipation. The peculiar smell of the tea started to permeate the air, causing the doubts towards Sarangerel's claim to gradually dissolve.
Sarangerel started to pour the tea into everyone's tea cups, except for Batu, who refused the offer. He watched as the men from the other tables drank fermented milk and laughed loudly, obviously he wanted to join them instead.
"Cheer up Batu!" Mayumi smiled. "It's not like we are mean to you or anything. There is no shame for a boy to attend a tea party!"
The girls laughed mercilessly, causing Batu to feel embarrassed a little.
"I know that!" Batu responded effortlessly. His body was slumped forward, as he doesn't devote that much energy to the conversation between the girls.
"This tasted so good!" A girl aged similar to Satchiko pointed out. She tried to drink as slowly as she can, savoring every drop of it. Everyone else displayed the same behavior, they all seemed like they are in a different dimension after tasting the tea. "I wish my dad can have that kind of luck!"
Sarangerel chuckled a little bit, she humbly heeded the compliment towards her father Khenbish, and proceeded to drink the tea herself. Satisfied, she went and grabbed the teapot to refill some water. This sent the girl out the tent leaving the Kyoshi warriors the only ones who have not tasted the tea.
"Go on!" One of the girls encouraged. "Just try it!"
Mayumi glanced at the hot cup of tea in her hands, the warmth on the clay itself heated her hands as she slowly sipped the cup. After emptying it, she placed it on the table, and released a very satisfied breath. "How lucky we are, that we can encounter a tea that truly lives up its name!"
The others around the table agreed. They waited impatiently for Sarangerel to return with more hot water to boil the flowers. Batu only stuffed his mouth with more meat, which only made him look unmannered in the absence of his older and gentler sister.
As Mayumi lingered, and await Sarangerel's return, she noticed that Satchiko still haven't touched the tea.
The younger sister stared at the teacup, not moving much at all. She never drank tea in her life, as she never felt the need to be a cultured woman as Mayumi. She slowly picked up the clay cup, and proceeds to examine it closely.
As she slowly poured it down her throat, she felt the tea felt a bit sour. Nothing like she has expected from the tea that was supposed to be so delicious. But maybe it was just her, she was very tired, mentally and physically. She was never much of a tea drinker. If she was, perhaps her opinion might be better.
She placed the cup on the table, and went into deep thoughts. It was when she wasn't doing much does she have the leisure to contemplate everything that has happened today. Flashes of the hungry children, the homeless mother crying other her possibly dead child and the picture of impoverished people started to flash her minds as she cannot help but wonder to that thought. She looked at the roasted meat on the table right in front of her. How unfortunate they are, she thought, no human should suffer and live in such a lowly existence. Those people living on the streets, all hungry, all sick and all poor do not deserve to be in that situation. They probably would never be able to fill their stomach with food like the people here, who eat meat almost every meal.
Her mind then wondered to somewhere even more horrifying. Shui. The one person who got closest to killing the Kyoshi warrior. The thought of death sent immediate chills down her spine. But the sight of that water bender's corpse burning out of existence was even more traumatic for the teenager. No matter how much she swallowed that fear, she cannot help but realize the uncomfortable truth of the situation here on the mainland Earth Kingdom, and possibly the entire world itself.
People are living terrible lives, and death is never that far away. Anytime a person can die either by violence or starvation. While Satchiko venturing out to the world is greeted with new knowledge and understanding, it also presents her with the cruel reality she has not expected. No one is immune to suffering in this world, not the poor, not the rich and especially not her.
A drop of tear slipped from the side of her left eye, which she swiftly rubbed it away in hopes that others do not notice. When she looked around, she noticed that Mayumi already placed her hands around her shoulder. The older sister seemed to know what is going on, but didn't pursue it any further all to Satchiko's relief. They waited until Sarangerel returned with another teapot filled with hot water, and prepares to brew more tea with the White Dragon bush.
"I asked the adults whether they wanted some of the tea, but they just refused!" Sarangerel said, almost incredulously. "I guess they are just investing too much into meat and fermented milk that they forgot how delicious tea can be!"
"Ignore them! Adults don't have the same appreciation towards tea like we do, right girls?"
The girls all murmured in agreement, some even laughed a little. But in secret, they are all rejoicing. For they could enjoy more of that delicious tea without wasting too much on the adults. The flower are of course extremely rare and in limited supplies. Mayumi is also delighted, she grabbed some food on the table, mainly some roasted meat, and ate some of it herself. She also placed some in Satchiko's empty plate, hoping the food can help with whatever Satchiko might be struggling with.
A young adult air-bender barged into the tent. With one loud cry and a very wide smile on his face, he announced his arrival. "I'm back!"
"Jargal!" The men on a table erupted in cheers. They are very delighted to see another member of the camp joining them. The table they accompanied have a metal hotpot on it, which allowed them to cook the meat by placing it into the soup.
The hunter named Jargal declared humorously. "Everyone else in the camp have also finished their work, and are feasting outside!"
"How was your hunting trip?" One of the men asked. "Ganbaatar and his team was disrupted when some bandits attacked! And, well..." He couldn't go on, as some details are a little bit depressing.
"Ah yes, I have heard what happened." Jargal's voice turned solemn. Multiple people are severely injured. Khiimori is lying in the medical tent right now, narrowly avoiding death. The news have spread fast. However, his tone was reignited with a more energetic mood. "We must not allow what happen today to damper this celebration! He stated assertively. The brave warriors who fought and injured today did not want to see their fellow people be sad!"
The table erupted into another round of cheers, they begin to have a small toast in honor of those who have injured themselves while fighting those bandits.
Jargal then presented something he was concealing behind his back the whole time. The others grew intrigued, but Batu only rubbed his eyes multiple times to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
"I was hunting at a spot near where Ganbaatar was, and I just so happen to caught this!" He hold out a full grown turtle duck to everyone to see. An arrow has already pierced the dead animal's neck, causing its tongue to stuck out of the mouth. It wasn't that impressive, as everyone in this camp is a skilled hunter. "I only managed to shot the mother, but the two babies were quick! They swam away before I can reach for another arrow!"
A mother. Two Babies. No way this can be good. This has to be just a coincidence. No way can Jargal hunt the same group of ducks Satchiko pritected.
When she saw this, her face was rather blank, unresponsive to the changes around her. The cup of tea in her hand is already empty. As Mayumi chatted with Sarangerel's friends about issues such as marriage, Satchiko just sat there, motionless. Left wondering about why things are what they are.
She stared at the mother turtle duck in Jargal's hand. The same one she prevented Batu from shooting his arrow at. The feeling she felt was complex, weird and unusual. Yes, that turtle duck is just an animal, but she is still saddened by this.
Empathy, are now the one dominating her inner self. She took more breathes heavily, hoping she can just forget about everything that has happened today. But she couldn't, every second of being awake reminds her of sad reality of the outside world. She saw Batu, who gave her a sympathetic look. At least the little boy isn't going to harm little creatures on the future, she thought.
"I hope the pot is large enough to store this," Jargal muttered as he carefully placed the turtle duck into the hotpot. He removed the arrow from the duck's neck, and dipped it into the hot soup. "If only I can eat the turtle duck meat in Ba Sing Se style, I heard the ducks they make have no equal in this world!"
"No one is gonna dispute that!" Another man agreed, drinking more fermented milk from his bowl. "Perhaps one day we can go there and taste it for ourselves. After all, people used to make poems about Ba Sing Se roast ducks!" Jargal and the others laughed loudly, even though it was not intended as a joke, they still laughed nonetheless to cheer up the mood here.
"Ok gentlemen, let us calm our souls." Jargal suggested, trying to suppress his own laughter. "Written poems dedicated to Ba Sing Se roast turtle ducks are in fact true, but that only cements how legendary it must have tasted to deserve such treatment!"
"Aye!" The men around the table agreed. They looked at the turtle duck in their hotpot, knowing it wouldn't taste even half as good as the famed Ba Sing Se roast turtle duck. But it's at least better than nothing.
The sound of metal rubbing together is now detected by everyone's ears. Everyone quietened down as Satchiko concentrated towards the entrance. The Khan, still clad in heavy armor walked into everyone's presence. They all showed signs of respect by standing up as the leader walked past them. Satchiko and Mayumi follow suite, they don't want to stick out like a sore thumb in front of everyone here.
The man himself arrived at the throne. With his back still facing the small crowd, he raised both of his arms sidewards. The guards helped him placed the individual armor pieces on the stand near the throne.
It is only now did the Kyoshi warriors fully realize the complexity of this equipment. There are more pieces of it than they originally perceived, with more layers have to be intricately extracted by the two guards.
The Khan's only piece of armor still remaining on his body is the round metal helmet. One of the guards carefully removed it, and placed it on the stand. The other guard helped the Khan by placing his weapons on the wooden rack. Both completed the task orderly, not delaying the Khan longer than it needed.
Satchiko waited, impatiently anticipated for them to finish. She wanted the Khan to turn around, and show them what he actually looks like. Mayumi felt the same, the man himself is a powerful Air-bender, but there has been so much mystery surrounding this one person until now. They both wanted to know what type of person he truly is.
They both held their breathe as the two guards brought a large deel and a hat to go along with it. The clothing is very similar to the practical clothes worn by the foot soldiers, all brown and woolly. The hat is also made of fur, which is much more practical than the ones the civilians wear.
Satchiko noticed that the Khan's clothing is clearly less impressive than the ones worn by his own people. Which is strange, considering he is the one at the highest position of power around here. Usually, a ruler would try to distinguish oneself from the masses. Either through excessive display of wealth or presentation of property, the differences in social status would thus be widened, establishing the social hierarchy of the region. This is especially true in the last town they were in. The inept governor they have just met clearly spared no effort in presenting himself as more superior than the poor civilians he ruled over. Buying expensive clothes and car, the governor of Yi effectively separated himself from those he deemed below him.
This is similar, but it did sort of went the opposite direction. Looking at the more beautiful and delicate deels of the others around her, Satchiko is aware that many people wear higher quality clothing than the Khan's simple coat. Asides from that, the throne, the seat of his power, contains no fancy objects such as gold or jewelry.
The Khan's took his time to readjust his warm fur deel, he even fastened his fur hand, which made Satchiko even more inpatient. Just turn around already!
When he finally finished, the imposing figure slowly turned around to face the people. At this point, both Kyoshi warriors finally saw what he looks like. It took them a while to comprehend it all, now that their curiosity is being quenched. The very person behind the lamellar is none other than an ordinary looking man. However, his face contains features that makes him stand out from most people of his age. The most obvious one is the larger grey arrow, which was tattooed on his forehead. It is a common sight to see grey arrows on the air-benders in the camp. His face however, looked both very stern and grim, as though he has saw things he wished he never saw. A large heavy beard complimented his tough demeanor, making him looked more imposing than Shui's fanatical personality. Judging by his facial features, he is possibly already into his sixties, and might already have grandchildren. Asides from all of that, he possesses a thick eyebrow, while also wearing multiple hair braid, the signature hairstyle of his people.
The face reveal to Satchiko and Mayumi made them felt a stronger presence of the Khan. He is already a prominent person as established when he demonstrated his combat prowess. Even with the three bandit team members giving their all, their puny bending combo is nothing more than dust in the face of the Khan's airbending.
The Khan's looked at everyone else in the tent. With the guards now finished placing his bow, saber and quiver on the racks, now would be the right time to address all present.
With a deep breath, he walked slightly forward and straighten his posture. Finally, he begin his speech. "My kin, my people!" He stated with a deep and determined voice. "Another year has quickly fly by since the day we were saved by the flying bison!"
The crowd listened attentively, even those outside the tent toned down their volume just to listen to the speech. Satchiko and Mayumi also stand still, for they are listening to the Khan's voice for the first time.
"Every year at this day, we the Kheshig would all lift our cups and drink to celebrate, but I'm sure you already know that not everyone is able to do it tonight." The Khan paused for a while, allowing the audience to take process the information. Words have already spread fast that Khiimori along with many others are too injured to celebrate tonight. Most of them are in ill health, and must rest on the beds in physician's tent. It is most unfortunate that they cannot partake tonight's celebration, after all, those guys have friends and family here too. Without them, the mood just wouldn't be right.
"Those warriors gave their all!" The Khan continued while lifted his fist, praising the bravery of those who fought today. "Despite facing a strong opponent, they still faced the challenges head on!" The Khan then hold up a bowl, which contains fermented milk. "It is things like this that gives me pride to lead a great people like you through hardship!" He stated firmly, causing everyone to resonate with him. "Even if the wounded warriors are not with us tonight, along with our two new friends, we will honor them by dedicating this toast to the warriors! My fellow Kheshigs! May the Eternal Sky watch over us!"
The Khan raised his bowl, and everyone else did the same with their drinks. Batu hold his mug of milk, while the girls lifted their cups of tea.
Satchiko also followed Mayumi's lead, but only to not offend those around her. She personally felt uneasy about the Khan's action of burning Shui's corpse. But for now, she can only swallow this, and hopefully forget about it entirely.
The Kheshig Khan saw that everyone has raised their beverage. He first proceeded to drink his bowl of fermented milk, then everyone else did the same to their drink.
The toast is completed, and the spirit in the tent risen exponentially. Mayumi is pleasantly surprised that musicians entered the tent, and begin to play music to signify the official opening of tonight's celebration. The singing sounds good, but none of the words are not understandable.
"That is throat singing my friend," Sarangerel said warmly, hoping it doesn't confuse Mayumi further. "The air-benders of our people developed this technique of singing by training their throats. Our ancestors believe that the spirituality of nature's objects lies not only in shape or location, but also their sounds. Which is why they would often mimic the sounds of nature, which becomes the root of the throat singing now."
Mayumi took a deep breathe, trying to process the lore here. The culture of this group of people they have stumbled across have certainly been eye opening for her. Experiencing it can be described as both foreign and enriching. She is glad she has the chance to be here
...
Many resumed their feast and cheerful socialization. The Khan meanwhile, sat on his small throne. He watched contently as the people ate and laughed in the tent. He closed his eyes, and begin to rested a little bit. The tired man spend a moment to enjoy the music, taking a little nap on his solid chair.
"Um hello there," Batu nervously said, causing the Khan to flinch a little. He has been too accustomed to violence, that his body would react cautiously even when in safety. "Sorry to bother you my Khan, I hope I didn't wake you up." Batu's voice was full of uneasiness, he is clearly a little rigid in his words, trying not to stutter.
The usually energetic boy is now doing his best to act polite, after all, this is the Khan he is talking to, the most powerful bender he ever met. Yet, a good leader must treat his subjects with compassion, even a warrior like him can understand.
"It is alright young Batu," the Khan said assuringly. His tone became very amicable, a change from his formal and assertive voice during the speech. "I wasn't sleeping at all." He laughed a bit to bring down the boy's anxiety. He knew the boy is showing respect, but he hoped that Batu can act natural in front of him.
The guard of the Khan's left rolled his eyes. It's obvious the Khan is lying so that he wouldn't hurt Batu's feelings.
"I just wanted to say sorry," Batu continued with a difficult voice. "It's my fault that I wondered too far, and got everyone else into trouble. If only I didn't burden others, like I always do."
The Khan's didn't respond immediately, for he knew Batu has more to say.
"Next time, I promise I would stop being a bother to to you all!" Batu stated in a determined voice. Clearly, the boy is trying to prove himself informs of the adults here. Usually children are not allowed in battle. How could the warriors here allows some kid to fight with them? Too dangerous.
"You were never a burden my boy," the Khan responded with a low tone. "Everyone here is family, and family is something everyone will protect unconditionally."
The Khan's grabbed another bowl of fermented milk, and gave it to Batu. The boy was a little confused, but he took it nonetheless. He didn't drink it immediately, as he just got lectured by Ganbaatar about alcohol.
"As the Khan, I will protect the people. But there are things not even I can do." The Khan went on, almost philosophically. "As for you, perhaps you should seek more what is hidden within you, something not even you know. After all, I wouldn't be around forever." He then drank another mouthful of fermented milk from a mug. "Remember one thing, whatever you are working towards, there is no good in anything until it is finished. You aspire to become a great warrior and earn your arrow. Don't let the pebbles on your road hinder your process. I am certain that the Eternal Sky would not forsaken your determination.""
The insecure and unsure boy nodded. He returned to his table. The Eternal sky is the spirituality of the Kheshig Khanate. Wherever the sky calls them to call, their people would follow. There is no destination, only the journey. Some might say they have abandoned the sedentary lifestyle, the truth is the entire Khanate is simply returning to their old way of life. True nomads after all have no destination or permanent dwellings.
The boy returned to the table, The girls are now discussing about Mayumi's reputation back home, about how there are many men wanting to court her. Mayumi told the group on how those men were often kept at bay all because of Akahana. How the Kyoshi warrior leader would sniff out any flaws or ulterior motives behind those who wanted to make Mayumi their wife. Whether those men did so under their own desire or the will of their parents, Akahana always have a way to deal with those who don't love Mayumi wholeheartedly.
"My Khan," the guard on the left asked. "Do you very think that kid would understand what you just said? He doesn't look very bright, maybe you should explain it in more detail." He suggested, knowing he is speaking beyond his station.
"The boy has doubts about himself, a lot of it. But we are at fault here too. Sheltering him while not letting him participate in actual fighting doesn't help does it?" The Khan replied with a tiresome expression. "I am merely an old man producing some advise, the boy needs to find his own inner strength. I believe he will find it, and he will become a true nomad warrior, eventually."
The Khan's looked at Batu's bowl of fermented milk. The boy, still haven't drink it.
Very good, the Khan's thought, smiling at this development. It appeared that Batu has learnt to restrain himself from consuming alcohol.
There is an expectation for every healthy male member in this Khanate of theirs. At a young age, a boy would learn how to wield a bow, and hunt in the wild for food. When he is deemed ready to become a regular warrior, the boy would become a man. It is considered a rite of passage for every men here, and it is expected that they will become a warrior that defend their family and loved ones. To contribute, and to fight anyone that wishes to harm them.
In Batu's case, he too must following this path. But his display today against the four ambushers might have wounded his esteem. If there is one thing that boy doesn't want to be, is being a drawback and hinderance for his allies.
...
Khenbish walked towards the bonfires, a lot of sweat is on his head as he has expended plenty of energy to get here. As he entered the area, the guards let him past. The attendees recognized his face, and welcomed him with delighted expression.
"You are late Khenbish!" A semi-drunk man yelled laughingly. "Where in the world have you been?"
"Drink with us!" Another cried while raising his cup.
Khenbish wanted to politely greet them as well, but his wife is now walking towards him with a stern attitude. Saran can be difficult at times, but she is also very strict.
"Khenbish, I told our daughter you are fine, so stop acting worried and start eat some food!" Saran said. She then gave him a plate with roasted hog meat, which looked very tasty.
"Thank you love," Khenbish politely answer. "By the way, is the Khan here?"
"Of course, he is in the tent now. Why you asked?"
Khenbish looked towards the entrance of the tent, he can see the Khan giving Batu a bowl of fermented milk.
"Saran, I need to speak to him, can you hold this plate please?" Khenbish gave the plate of meat to Saran, who hold it with a confused expression.
Ganbaatar took a sip from his drink as he watch Khenbish shuffled into the tent. His hands suddenly went to his unsheathed saber, touching the hilt as though he can drag it out anytime.
As Khenbish slowly walked into the tent, he went past the musicians and headed towards the Khan.
"D-Dad?" Batu said from his table. He came over and supported him, causing Sarangerel to notice Khenbish as well. "Here let me help you."
"Father, are you alright." Sarangerel arrived next to Khenbish. Inquiring about his health.
Satchiko and Mayumi watched as they interacted with one another. The Khan's did the same, his attention is now on Khenbish, who wanted an audience with the leader.
"Kids, I'm just going to speak with the Khan, nothing too serious." Khenbish said while supporting himself on the walking stick. "Go and attend to our two guests, I will join you later." He walked on, leaving his two children with Satchiko and Mayumi.
The Khan leaned forward as Khenbish finally made it to the throne.
"What are you waiting for?" The Khan motioned one of the guards by waving his fist. "Give him a chair! Can't you see the man is injured?!"
"Yes my Khan!" The guard quickly apologized for his lack of initiative. He hastily grabbed a nearby chair and give it to Khenbish. Once he sat down, Khenbish started to inform the Khan what he saw.
"I saw some people on a bison," Khenbish begin, quietly. "They are not one of us."
"Go on," the Khan urged, growing concern about what Khenbish is talking about.
"The blue arrows, they are here." Khenbish whispered as lightly as possible. He knew breaking it down softly isn't going to work. The Khan often prefers direct and straight to the point conversations.
The Khan widened his eyes, then produced a deep scrowl. The two guards only stand there nervously. They knew those who angered the Khan usually don't live.
This is worst timing they could possibly have, nothing can be worst.
Author's notes;
In the language of Mongolian-
-Saran means moon
-Sarangerel means moonlight
-Jargal means happiness.
-Buuz, fermented milk are both real food eaten by mongols.
-Throat singing can be performed in the real world without airbending. Wow, what a surprise!
-The Ba Sing Se roast duck referred in the chapter is inspired from the Beijing roast duck/Peking duck, which also has poems written during the Qing dynasty.
