Sokka the 18th - [Action]

[markofthewise]

[So after Katara has had her counseling session (with Sokka naturally following her around and being even more Batman super spy than usual), the two will be heading deep in the forest to search for Zuko. They'll try to raise him a few times on the journals, but are otherwise prepared to stay a few nights in the forest, even packing enough gear to spend a few nights camping if need be. After the loss of Toph, Sokka has no intention of seeing their missing comrade suffering a similar fate.

If for some reason your character is out deep in the forest, they may run across the two Watersibs combing their way through the forest. They may not exactly be the most conversational, but they'll probably talk to you if there's good reason to. Feel free to run into them while they're either hiking or if it's late in the day, setting up camp for the night.

Note: Either Katara or Sokka (or both) will answer your character.]

Comments

[markofthebrave]

[...a bow? Seriously? Katara does not know what to make of this.] Yes, I remember you. I just don't think the journals count for real 'meetings.' It's nice to see people face to face.

[Katara glances at Sokka before speaking.] His name is Zuko. He's a.. friend of ours from back home.

[Even if saying that is really really weird.]

[markofthewise]

[There's something of a frown at the bow, but Sokka doesn't mind. At least he's not wiggling in true Sanji fashion.]

He ran off a week ago. Given what just happened we... [He trails off a bit there.] He should be back at home with us.

[latkje]

Angry prince? That one? [He's only interacted with Zuko briefly.]

What makes you think he's in the forest?

[markofthebrave]

Yeah, the angry prince. Scar over his eye. [Katara makes the motion to show him over which eye and how devastating it is.

...and here comes an embarrassing part. She takes a breath and squares her shoulders.] The day the last experiment ended, Zuko and I had fallen asleep together outside. When we came to our senses, I... [She hasn't even told Sokka this. She had been so ashamed and sick that she'd stumbled away and was physically ill.] tried to get away without waking him, but I don't think it worked.

When I came back later that night, the area where we had been was torched. We haven't seen him since. He might not be in the forest, but he's not in the village. We have to start somewhere.

[markofthewise]

Fell... asleep... together? [Sokka is too busy processing this to contribute. Why are they trying to find Zuko again?

It's to kill him, right?]

[latkje]

[Yeah, brushing over that awkwardness, because it's clearly a can of worms Nash doesn't need to open.]

And you're worried something might have gotten him. But it sounds like your friend doesn't much want to be found, does he?

[He pauses and rubs his hands together.]

I would try asking the birds.

[markofthebrave]

[A flat look is directed at Sokka.] Yes. Fell asleep. Remember, you told us to have fun?

[And a more mild version of the look is directed at Nash before she realizes that -- in Luceti, birds actually can talk. It's a good suggestion. Have a smile and some explanation.] I don't blame him for not wanting to face what happened. [Actually, yes. Yes she does. It hurts her pride like the dickens.] I didn't either. But it's been a week and our friend has been kidnapped. We're not going to force him to come home, but he should at least know that he can come home.

[markofthewise]

[Okay, shutting up now. He deserved that. He was too wrapped up in breaking Toph's heart at the moment.

... and that reminds him of that part. Give him a moment to feel like an absolute scumbag for a few moments.]

[latkje]

[He'll give Sokka a moment of "not any of my business" space.]

It's not a bad idea. Sometimes it takes desperate gestures to convince someone that they're wanted. And time only heals all wounds if you take care to treat them.

[markofthebrave]

[Oh spirits, the cloud of guilt over Sokka's head is practically visible. She hates that the only thing she can do for him is pretend that she doesn't notice.]

...that does make sense. [Have a dry laugh.] I never thought we'd be looking for Zuko.

[markofthewise]

[Sokka will chime in with his own weak attempt at humor to dispel that gloomy look.] Yeah, really. Usually it was Zuko always looking for us.

[latkje]

Then he probably isn't very good at hiding.

[markofthebrave]

It's a pretty big forest. [She'll glance around.] I wish we had Appa here.

[markofthewise]

[Going to preempt the question that will follow.] Appa is our air bison. He's two tons of flying impossible.

[latkje]

It's a forest. You have cover from the air.

[markofthebrave]

If we were skimming the treeline, it would still be easier to spot signs of him. Down here... [She trails off, not wanting to go ahead and admit that they have no clue where to even start looking. It's been a week. Zuko could be anywhere.]

[markofthewise]

We'll keep looking. I'm a hunter, if he's here, we'll find him.

[latkje]

Like I said— talk to the birds. If anyone's seen him, they have.

[markofthewise]

[Sokka nods.] We'll try that. But we should keep moving on, while we still have daylight.

[latkje]

If I see anything, I'll signal.