Chapter 10: The Journey to Omashu
Tanya and Sokka embarked from their camp, the sun stretching long shadows over the landscape, marking the beginning of their journey towards Omashu. Tanya's razed village lay nestled between the foggy swamp and Omashu. With the swamp to the south, they set their path northward.
As they walked, Sokka regaled Tanya with tales of his adventures alongside Aang and his sister Katara. He spoke of the day they had stumbled upon Aang frozen in snow, and of their journey aboard the six-legged flying bison known as Appa. He recounted the discovery of Momo, the flying lemur they had found amidst the ruins of the Southern Air Temple.
Tanya gave a hum occasionally to indicate that she was paying attention. It wasn't that she wasn't attentive, but rather that she was trying to wrap her mind around the concept of flying six-legged bison and flying lemurs. Could a person actually survive being frozen in ice? From the way Sokka animatedly told his story, it didn't seem like he was pulling her leg. It simply boggled the mind. It appeared she really didn't know much about this world she was now living in.
"It seems the saying that ignorance is bliss is just a load of bull," Tanya mused silently to herself as they walked. Her ignorance of the world had cost her everything. If only she still had her memories, perhaps she could have done something to prevent the destruction of her village and the death of her parents. Unfortunately, the return of some of her memories only added to the feeling of guilt and self-loathing gnawing at her. Even before her memories were sealed, she had been content basking in the slow and peaceful life of the countryside. She had been under the false assumption that she had finally attained what she wanted: safety and peace. But now, she realized how mistaken she had been.
With everything she had known in this life now gone, Tanya found herself with limited options. Her confrontation with the fire nation soldiers had likely landed her on their wanted list. Even if not, their brutal attack on her village indicated their murderous and irrational nature, driven by a desire for conquest and destruction. The memory of their atrocities lingered in her mind, stirring a sense of familiarity. Perhaps she had encountered similar people in her previous life?
One of the primary reasons she agreed to accompany Sokka was because he was now the only person she knew in this world. She had never ventured beyond the borders of her village, nor had she known anyone beyond her parents. As far as she was aware, she had no other family members besides them.
After the events of the previous day, Tanya found herself surprisingly at ease in Sokka's presence. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding them, she felt a sense of trust and comfort around him that she couldn't quite explain. His companionship evoked a strange familiarity, reminiscent of a distant memory that eluded her grasp. Vishna... the name echoed softly in her mind, a whisper from the depths of her consciousness.
After about three hours of walking, the rugged terrain gave way to a dirt road, stretching out before them like a weathered ribbon under the afternoon sun. The road appeared neglected and unkempt, its surface marred by potholes and overgrown with weeds. It bore the scars of neglect, a testament to the challenges faced by the region amidst the ongoing war with the Fire Nation and the frequent raids that plagued the area.
Sokka's excitement broke the silence as he pointed ahead. "Look! There's someone there," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with anticipation. Tanya followed his gaze, spotting a man pulling a cart along the road, heading in their direction.
"Let's go and ask him for directions," Sokka suggested with a hopeful smile.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Tanya asked, her eyebrow raised in scepticism. "We need to be cautious. We don't want to attract the attention of Fire Nation agents."
Sokka waved away her concerns with a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry," he reassured her, his confidence unwavering. "He looks like a local merchant to me."
Still doubtful, Tanya took another look at the approaching stranger. He wore green Earth Kingdom robes and a light green hat reminiscent of Robin Hood. He appeared to be middle-aged, his breaths deep as he struggled to pull his cart along the road, carefully navigating around the potholes.
Seems like Sokka was right. When Tanya turned back to agree with him, she was surprised to find that he had already started walking toward the man. "Urgh!" Feeling a bit frustrated, Tanya quickly ran to catch up with him. She grabbed a handful of his shirt from behind and kept walking behind him.
Surprised, Sokka turned his head toward her but continued walking. "Hey, what's up?" he asked.
Tanya just looked at him, smirking, and said, "If anything goes wrong, at least you'll get hit first."
Rolling his eyes, Sokka replied, "Har har har. Fine, if that makes you feel safe, you big baby."
Her eyes twitched in irritation at his reply. She was so tempted to just use her bending to create a hole in front of him and bury him in it, but that would mean she'd be losing her human shield. Choosing to ignore his sass, she kept her position behind him until they were almost within reach of the man.
Once close enough, Sokka raised his arm and shouted, "Hello there, my good man!" The man, hearing the greeting, stopped his efforts at pulling his cart and replied, "Hello, travelers! How may I help you?" Scratching his head, projecting an image of someone having a difficult day, Sokka replied, "We're kinda lost, sir. Do you know which way is Omashu? We're supposed to meet some friends there."
"Oh! Omashu?" the man exclaimed. "Why, you're on the right road, my boy. Just follow this road and you'll reach Omashu. In fact, I'm just traveling back home from there."
"Are you a merchant by chance, good sir?" Sokka inquired, his voice oozing with charm. "I can tell by just your dignified looks."
Tanya watched impassively. She didn't know whether to be impressed or sickened by Sokka's pandering abilities. He seemed to have a capable tongue for sweet-talking. Popping her head out to take a closer look at the man, it was unsurprising that the man seemed like he was eating right out of Sokka's palms.
"Hahaha..." The man laughed loudly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. He appeared to be in his mid-forties, with weathered features and a scruffy beard that gave him a rugged appearance. His clothes were worn but clean, indicating a humble yet dignified demeanour. However, as his gaze fell upon Tanya, his expression shifted, and he began to stutter nervously. Sweat formed on his brow, and he fidgeted with the brim of his hat.
After a moment, the man regained his composure and addressed Tanya with a soft tone. "Young lady, why are you here?" His gaze then turned suspiciously to Sokka, the warmth in his eyes replaced by scepticism. "Where are you taking her?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Sokka blinked in surprise at the sudden change in the man's demeanour. "Err, like I said... we're both going to Omashu to meet some friends," he replied, his tone uncertain.
Turning back to Tanya, the man pressed on, his eyes searching hers for any signs of deception. "Is this true, young lady?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.
"Yes, that's true," Tanya responded, her confusion mirroring Sokka's.
"I see," the man said, visibly calming down. Turning around, he rummaged through his cart for a moment before producing a green hooded cloak. "Here," he said, handing the cloak to Tanya. "Please use this, young lady. It's best if you cover your head so that you don't stand out too visibly."
"Thank you," Tanya replied, accepting the cloak with a nod of gratitude.
"Well then, I wish you both a safe journey," the man said, offering them a small smile before walking past them with his cart.
As they watched the man disappear down the road, Sokka turned to Tanya with a puzzled expression. "What was that about?" he asked.
Tanya shook her head. "I have no idea," she replied. "Are you sure you've never met him before?" Sokka pressed.
"I'm sure I never did," Tanya confirmed. "Our village was quite isolated. I don't remember ever meeting anyone from outside the village."
With a shrug of his shoulders, Sokka turned back to the road. "Well, at least we know we're going the right way," he said, trying to shake off the odd encounter. "Let's keep moving."
They were getting close. It had been two days since their encounter with the man, and they had been traveling from morning till noon each day, stopping only to eat and sleep. Sokka proved to be quite adept at finding and catching small animals for food, while Tanya helped by foraging for berries or edible plants along the way. Though still puzzled by the man's actions, Tanya thought it wise to heed his warning. Her distinctive hair colour could easily attract attention, and the cloak helped her blend in.
The closer they approached the city, they noticed a gradual increase in the number of people using the road. By midday, they finally caught their first glimpse of Omashu in the distance.
Upon cresting a rise in the road, the sprawling metropolis of Omashu came into view, bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight. The sight was nothing short of breath-taking. The city seemed to rise from the earth itself, its towering walls encircling the heart of the metropolis like protective arms.
From afar, Omashu appeared as a city of contrasts, a blend of ancient grandeur and bustling activity. Its towering stone walls, weathered by time and history, stood as silent sentinels guarding the secrets within. The sunlight danced upon the rooftops, casting a golden hue over the labyrinthine streets and alleyways below.
The city's architecture was a testament to its rich history and diverse culture. Towers and spires reached towards the sky, adorned with intricate carvings and colourful banners that fluttered in the breeze. At the city's center, the imposing silhouette of the Royal Palace dominated the skyline, its majestic domes and turrets gleaming in the sunlight.
Surrounding the city, verdant fields stretched outwards, dotted with farms and orchards that provided sustenance to the bustling population within. The hum of activity could be faintly heard even from this distance, a symphony of voices and sounds that spoke of life and vitality.
The city appeared vibrant and bustling with life. The sound of voices and activity drifted towards them on the gentle breeze, filling the air with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Tanya's eyes widened in wonder as she took in the sight.
"It's beautiful," whispered Sokka, his words clear to Tanya's ears. "Have you seen anything like this?" he asked, looking at her expectantly.
Unable to speak, Tanya simply shook her head to indicate no. Her gaze lingered on the city, taking in its grandeur and beauty. In her memories, she had encountered bustling cities and towering skyscrapers, but nothing quite like Omashu, built into the very heart of a mountain.
The sight before them seemed almost surreal, like something out of a dream. The way the city seamlessly melded with the natural landscape filled Tanya with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
As they continued along the path of the road leading to the main gate of the city, Sokka and Tanya were met with an impressive sight. The gate was enormous, towering above them like a colossal sentinel, its stone walls adorned with intricate carvings and symbols of the Earth Kingdom.
A row of soldiers stood guard at the entrance, their imposing figures a testament to the city's security measures. The gate itself was adorned with intricate ironwork, its massive doors looming overhead like the entrance to a fortress.
From afar, Sokka and Tanya could see a long line of people waiting to enter the city. Each person had to undergo inspection by the city's guards, their belongings scrutinized for any signs of danger or contraband. The process seemed thorough, with guards meticulously checking each individual before allowing them to pass through the gate.
As they approached the end of the line, Sokka and Tanya prepared themselves for the inspection ahead, unsure of what to expect but determined to enter the city nonetheless.
"Hold!" barked the guard once it was their turn to be inspected. "Where are you from and what is your business here?"
Sokka put on his best smile and replied, "Hello, my good sir. My companion and I are just on our way to meet some friends in the city. We're from the countryside, and this is our first time venturing this far out."
Tanya remained silent beside him, her expression calm but alert as she observed the guard's reaction.
"Hmph!" Giving Sokka an unimpressed glare, the guard turned to look at Tanya. "Hey you, take off your hood," he ordered.
Having no choice but to obey, Tanya lifted the hood of her cloak from her head, revealing her golden blonde hair. What happened next was an eerie situation akin to the encounter with the merchant they met two days prior. The guard suddenly seemed to stutter, then quickly straightened himself, standing stiffly at attention like a soldier on parade.
As Tanya and Sokka exchanged puzzled glances, the tension in the air became palpable. The guard's sudden change in demeanour, mirrored by his comrades, was enough to send a shiver down Tanya's spine. It was as if they had stumbled upon some hidden secret, triggering an unexpected reaction from the city's protectors.
Sokka's brow furrowed in confusion, his gaze darting between Tanya and the guards. "What's going on?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the murmur of the crowd.
Tanya shook her head, equally perplexed. "I have no idea," she murmured back, her mind racing with unanswered questions. Why were they suddenly being treated with such reverence? What did the guards know that they didn't?
Before they could make sense of the situation, the guard spoke again, this time with a hint of deference in his tone. "May we escort you to the palace, my lady?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Tanya with a mixture of awe and respect.
Sokka's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected address. "My lady?" he repeated, casting a bewildered glance at Tanya. She could only offer a shrug in response, her thoughts still swirling with uncertainty.
Despite the confusion, Tanya sensed that refusing the guard's offer could have dire consequences. They were at the mercy of these guards, and antagonizing them was the last thing she wanted to do. With a hesitant nod, she acquiesced. "Yes, thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
As the guards ushered them through the bustling streets of Omashu, Tanya couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. There was something about their sudden attention that set her on edge, filling her with a sense of unease that only grew stronger with each step they took towards the palace.
Author's Notes :-
Another one out. Take this as thanks for all your support my lovelies. =D
Keep the reviews flowing!