markofthewise | Sokka the 71st

[Today, Sokka starts out with some simple messages for the journal.]

I know this is pretty late, but... Luceti has a way of causing delays. I got a lot of orders two months ago and they're all finally finished. If you haven't already picked them up, then... well, you should do that. I think you'll be pleased. [ooc: if you want to assume they already picked this stuff up a while ago, that's fine too!]

So, now that it's nice and warm these days, how do people feel about... fishing? I just made my own fishing rod, so I'm thinking tomorrow morning? Fishing time. On the river, maybe. Or I could bring out one of the boats and head to the lake. Some company wouldn't hurt. As long as you're not the noisy kind. I uh, actually want to catch some fish.

20th

[For today, Sokka works his regular shift at the smithy. From morning until the afternoon, he's at the smithy. There's not much to do now that he's done, so he straightens things out, hangs out on the couch with an alchemy book in his face, or if he gets bored with that... he reaches for his fishing rod under the couch and does a few practice casts. If he thinks no one will catch him doing it. Winry wouldn't approve. 8|

In the afternoon, he'll be around House 56 in the front and back yard, with a can of dirt and pushing over rocks and stones looking for worms underneath. A good fisherman needs his bait, after all! And he wants to be ready for tomorrow!]

21st

[As soon as his sparring practice is over, Sokka sets himself up on the southernmost bridge in town. Sure, it's a little gloomy today, but still time to fish. He has a chair, he has a fishing line, he has a cold box to put fish in, and he has not shortage of snacks and drinks. About ten minutes into his fishing, he gets drenched. Watch as poor Sokka has to gather up his stuff and flee back home. Later when he has an umbrella, he dejectedly heads to the smithy to put in a few hours. And then a few more hours later at the library to do alchemy research. No fishing today. :(]

22nd

[After a rainy day and rainy night, Sokka wakes up to A BIG BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW. He'll try to rush through his morning training, that way he can head to the river west of his house and ready a canoe. With a clear sky above, he's going out to the lake for fishing. There's room enough for two, for anyone eager to join. Following that, he'll be out on the southern lake fishing, cooking fish on the shore for lunch, and enjoying a good solid day off. STRESS FREE.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hmmm. A year's experience, a strong urge to fish, and... Master Souji not being one hundred percent? Maybe it'll work out.]

I can work with that.

[i wish you luck, grasshopper.

he may not be 100% but he's definitely fine right now. he lowers his sword and takes his stance, smiling pleasantly at sokka]

Then shall we start?

[Sokka takes position too. Defensive, because he needs to dodge these blows.]

Ready when you are.

[Okay, then here we go. Souji goes from smiley smiley face to his usual crazy teacher face in about half a second and darts forward, aiming a quick one two strike at Sokka's right wrist and shoulder.]

[Always reassuring, boss. Sokka evades the first and rolls back his shoulder to avoid the second. Time to become more evasive. He just has to dodge one more blow and he's off the hook. He starts to strafe to the left, keeping his distance, trying to anticipate the next blow.]

[I know. He's such a gentle sparring partner.

As Sokka moves to the left, Souji continues to push forward and turns his attack into a roundhouse kick at his side.]

[Okay, Souji gets Sokka with the kick. He avoids getting the full brunt of it, but it still counts as a hit. Shaking it off, he frowns and ALMOST complains. But of course kicks are allowed.

Okay he just has to start over. He starts backing up. Slowly. Step by step.]

[He turns and brings the sword around again up over his head before slowly lowering it to his waist. Souji circles to his left, sliding each step carefully, keeping his eye on Sokka and waiting for an opening.

Suddenly he darts to the right and rushes, Sokka, aiming a sweeping kick at his legs and swinging up with his sword.]

[Sokka turns to his right, missing Souji's kick and giving him time to intercept his master's blade with his own. With the advantage of size and gravity, he tries to push and twist the sword out of his hands.]

[The swords clash and Souji twists, letting Sokka push his blade and using that forward motion to circle around and bring his opposite leg up to kick at him again.]

[He can't risk a kick. It counts as a hit, after all. Sokka rolls forward and twists back up, still kneeling, to use his sword to block any incoming attack.]

[His foot sweeps only air and he turns bringing his sword around to see Sokka kneeling with his up to block.

Souji stops and then lowers his weapon, smiling.]

And that would be three. You're free to go fishing now, Sokka-kun.

[Excellent! Sokka grins, standing back up straight. He offers a respectful bow in return.]

Thanks, Master Souji. But, actually... before that, I kind of had a request.

[Souji bows his head in return, tilting his head as he straightens.]

A request? Do you need a day off for your fishing?

Actually... I was hoping you could evaluate a potential new student.

A new student? [that certainly catches his attention] Certainly. Is this a friend of yours?

Well, I wouldn't call him a friend, but he could uh... use the discipline.

Is that code for you want me to beat him up to teach him a lesson?

While I'll admit, I do think that would be pretty great. [A pause. He grows serious.] No. It's kind of... for Katara's sake more than mine. Or his.

Ah... [He looks at the wooden sword in his hands and the smile disappears from his face.] He needs discipline, is it?

[Control. Souji knows that. He understands it on a functional level. He supposes he can teach that....]

I can teach it to him, but he will learn to hone his skills as they are and make him more steady - but also more deadly. Is that what you wish?

He's already plenty deadly. He needs to know how to hold back.

[Which is admittedly an odd thing to ask from the master of not holding back. But in his mind, that just means Souji will be able to relate better than any other teacher.]

[The irony is not lost on him, Sokka. Souji closes his eyes and sighs slightly, nodding.]

Very well. I need his name and for him to come in early, preferably after we finish our lessons. Or at the same time. The two of you could work together even.

[... work together. That idea doesn't sit well with him.]

His name is Masaomi Kida. I'll bring him in soon.

[That expression tells quite a story. Souji looks at him for a moment, then smiles and nods.]

Yes, but for now, you're losing prime fishing hours.

[... oh right!]

Oh, right, fishing. Thanks! I'll see you next time!

[He packs up his stuff and off he goes!]

Sokka the 71st - [Action/Voice]

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