Midori Tsuyomi's page

"Ah, well I don't wanna look bad if I ever meet your family, you know?" He explains as he rubs at the back of his neck. "I don't think I'd be a good friend if I didn't at least learn what to call people you know."

Midori shakes her head, but decides not to press the point any more. "You are more likely to meet Tanaka-senpai's family, given your brother." She takes some time to think about that a little bit. "Actually maybe you're best off being as respectful as possible around the Akuma." she says soberly, nodding to herself.

"Oh, Tsuyomi... san? Is that the right one? I tried reading up on the right things to say but they are a bit confusing still." He explains, looking a little embarrassed.[ "Yeah, I'm here to give it a shot. After that talent show I thought I could put all that other stuff I learned back home to use too."

Midori smiles at him while shaking her head. "You do not need to use honourifics, Dacamara-senpai. I just do not want to fall out of practice. It would not go over well at home. Thank you for thinking of me though." she beams at him. ^.^

Midori is in the SIM rooms doing her warmup routines of acrobatics and smiles at Anthony, remembering a similar competition they had engaged in with a game of arrow tag. She approaches him a bows. "Hello Dacamara-senpai. Are you excited to compete?"

"Oh rot." Anthony swore as he saw the feline coming up the try after him. He pushed away from the trunk and and ran along a branch briefly before jumping, barely making it to another tree and dropping down hurriedly.

Midori reaches Dacamara-senpai's branch just as he leaps away. She grumbles in a kitty-voice. The whistle had to be blowing soon, all she had to do was keep their best archer focused on her. And maybe that meant sacrificing herself to buy some time. All that matters is the mission.

To that end, Midori charges down the branch and jumps towards Dacamara-senpai, sailing through the air directly at him, but now with no way to dodge or manuveur incoming arrows. He HAD to focus on her now. Hopefully there were other team members still alive to finish the win...

An arrow streaked by her and struck a tree ahead, bouncing off harmlessly but leaving a small cloud of chalk in the air.

"Here, Kitty kitty kitty!" Anthony's calls out from the direction the arrow came,

Midori quickly puffs a breath out from her nose to prevent herself from breathing in any of the chalk. Dacamara-senpai was clearly one of the best archers on the other team, and she just had to survive a little longer. She glances around to see how many of her team were still left. If she could keep his attention long enough for her teammates to survive, they could win!

Midori meows loudly back at her attacker, and charges out of cover towards the tree he last fired from and climbs in a spiral pattern, trying to use the trunk itself as cover. She just had to get close to make it hard to aim.

A few others nearby laugh at the retreating archer, but Anthony seems suspiciously absent of the group. On the other hand, this is a forest after all, and he grew up in one....

Midori would've blushed in embarassment if she was not currently a cat, her feigned attacks no likely no longer effective, Midori once again returned to evasion. Climbing a tree again would leave her predictable and open to attack, so instead she decided to make for a small patch of undergrowth nearby. The hope was that the brush would disrupt the arrows enough to burst before they made contact with her.

The fellow student let out a yelp and fell back, dropping the bow as they scrambled to get away from the 'attacking' feline.

Midori grinned inwardly for just a moment before realizing that her plan had been to land on him to help jump at her next target, Dacamara-senpai.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Midori lands expertly, clearly only aided by her feline body, and immediately coils into a spring and launches herself at Dacamara-senpai. However, lost in her haste, the bluff of her pounce is not very convincing as the claws are not bared as they were before, and her feline face is not contorted into a snarl. It almost looks adorable.

Grim would likely be with Vriskra (on the grounds of “nothing better to do” but it’s possible he has homework or something too)

Wait we have homework?! Oh no why am I playing chalkball!

An arrow strikes the tree near her and an opponent in the distance curses loudly. Time was running out and they weren't doing so well.

Midori ciughed again as chalk blew past her sensitive face. She neede some way to press her advantages... not just to dodge but to stop them from shooting at her team...

Aha! She couldn't attack the other team but she could make them think she would. There would only be so many chances before the opposing team figured out her bluff though. It was risky and exactly the sort of thing that could get her killed if this wasn't a game. Hopefully the worst that would happen here is a bruise.

[I]Midori ran to the nearby tree and bared her claws, using them to dig into the bark and scamper up into the branches. She took a moment or two to find an ideal target before leaping out at them with a hiss and claws on display.

Up in one of the free-training gym areas Anthony was playing a very... interesting game of tag. One team, polymorphed into animals with various numbers on them, darted around the playing field while the other team chased after them and fired at them with arrows. Luckily for the animal team the arrows were tipped by large cloth spheres filled with colored chalk dust so there could be no mistaking if an arrow hit or not.

I won't say way, but there's a cookie up for grabs with this post.

Unsure how she got roped into this game, the furry form of a cat-like Midori darted across the gym, dodging arrows left and right. She caught a whiff of chalk as an arrow burst right in front of her, and she sneezed, skidding to a stop to glance around at the opposing team and get her bearings. These chalk arrows stung but hurt much less than a training session at home.

Looking about, Midori is not with them, wait here, I think I have a little rescue mission he says to the others.

Lag slips in among the crowd. and is suddenly standing before Midori, Giving a modest bow, I believe I had promised you a dance. he says to her. Hoping she will catch the meaning that he intends to remove her from this uncomfortable situation.

Midori looks baffled at Lang for just a moment too long before jumping on the opportunity just a little too obviously. "Hai! Ahhh.... yes, of course Lang-sama. Thank you." she returns the bow and follows Lang away from the crowd. A few of them look put out but none are willing to question the Avatar at his own ceremony.

"Arigato-ne Lang-kun" she whispers under her breath as they walk away.

While Grim, Lang, and Sara have been able to extricate themselves from the main proceedings, Midori doesn’t appear to be as lucky. An overly curious dignitary had noted her unusual appearance and had asked about her lineage. A small group has formed around her, excitedly and animatedly discussing aasimar genealogy. Midori herself remains the center of attention, and looks somewhat stricken and overwhelmed, as the discussion has quickly outstripped her own knowledge on the subject.

OK finally moving the ceremony forward a bit, This is a summary of events to get things on track. also I apologize if I push things to fast here, its just that there was little interaction going on and I think most people involved practically forgot they were even here.

After a bit of wandering the Spirit world, Lang brings Sara back. Having discovered much about Sara's connection with the animals as well as all of her friends.

Lang believes that her connection with the spirits may have some important meaning, but he isn't sure what it is yet. he does tell her about a certain nature spirit that is being kept in a prison and is feeding off the negative energies of one of Avalon's teachers.

I have not had the chance to look up names looking for a little help from Lyn here

It isn't long before all the group is reunited at the reception hall of the Temple.

Lang takes some time to introduce everyone to some of the other bending masters that he knows about. but there are many that he has never met before.

The only bending community not represented is Fire as most fire benders are in fact Firebirds, and well, we all know what they can be like.

The Ceremony goes on and it is a spectacular event. there are demonstrations of the various bending techniques and Lang put on a spectacular show of his staff forms combined with his air bending abilities.

Chao follow suit, his skills prove to be almost as good as Lang's it becomes evident that there is a long rivalry between the two, yet Lang does his best to look for ways to mend things between them.

Lang asks Midori to give a demonstration of her sword skill, I believe she has declined this when asked before so I will go with that Which Midori ever so politely declines. Lang can't help but notice Midori feeling a bit uncomfortable at the request and he places his hand in hers and gives her a reassuring smile. he then tries to avert the attention of the others away from her hoping to help her feel more at ease....

Midori is clearly thankful for Lang's understanding, obviously in a reserved mood with so many dignitaries present, but she's polite and friendly, if a bit distant, towards all everyone she's introduced to.

During the ceremony, Midori remains stoic through the various bending presentations, sitting seiza in the crowd and maintaining decorum as appropriate for a guest of the honoured Avatar, following along with the acts of homage given to Lang, not wishing to be offend anyone by being out-of-step.

Afterwards at the reception, Midori does seem to perk up, even just a little bit, as the mood in the room seems at least a little less formal.

Of course, that doesn't stop her being overly formal when Lang first arrives on the scene with her and the rest of the party from Avalon. She bows deeply to their friend. "Congratulations on your hard work, Lang-sifu."

Sun puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles assuredly Lang does trust you. more than you probably know. and he hopes you have the same trust in him.

as for the demo, if you are not comfortable, then we will not mention it any further.

Midori smiles a bit shyly at that, and nods. "Maybe Grim-kun could do one instead? He likes to show-off, ne?"

Sun ponders a moment.

you are correct, Lang probably does not fully understand what a gift like that means. and I know that he wanted to give you something special. a weapon is something he saw you prized. he also trusts you to use that weapon wisely.

Lang does not use weapons, except for his staff, but he knows that weapons are a part of the world. they are a tool that can be used for good as well as evil. If the time ever came that such a weapon is needed, you would be there to stand by his side. he trusts you.

as far as weapons being allowed, one thing that is important to note, this temple does train its monks in the use of weapons, including swords and spears. only those that are skilled in their use will be carrying such a weapon, lang believes you are skilled enough. wear that blade with honor. you are a guest of Lang, none here will question or challenge you.

Sun hope that he has explained everything but then suddenly as a side note Oh, would you want to put on a demonstration of your skills? I can be sure it is arranged.

Midori nods as Sun speaks, listening intently while gripping the silk package tightly to her side.

"It's not just a tool... it's a symbol. The gift of a weapon is... for us it means trust. Lots of trust." Midori frowns at her own word choice, apparently failing to select a better word. Despite her proficiency, Common is still clearly a second language. "It means you trust that person will never have need to turn that weapon on you." she shakes her head again, a bit frustrated with her inability to express herself.

"I will wear it. Thank you, Sun-san."

At the mention of giving a skills demonstation, Midori immediately blushes to her ears, her head dropping down a little. "Anoo... I don't... think I would like being the center of so much attention." she says somewhat squeakily.

Midori Tsuyomi wrote:

As Midori walks with Sun and Grim back towards the reception, she seems pensive, still holding the silken package from Lang rather reverently.

"Sun-san, may I ask you a question?" she intones as they near the reception hall.

Sun looks at Midori rather curiously, Sure. I guess.

"I do not think that Lang-kun entirely understands what a gift like this means," Midori says, holding up the silk package briefly "and I understand that he probably doesn't really like giving me a weapon."

"But, am I going to get in trouble for having this?" Midori asks a little worriedly, remembering that weapons are not generally allowed on the temple grounds.

As Midori walks with Sun and Grim back towards the reception, she seems pensive, still holding the silken package from Lang rather reverently.

"Sun-san, may I ask you a question?" she intones as they near the reception hall.

lang simply smiles knowing Midori liked her gift. he didn't say anything to spoil that.

after a few minutes of conversing lang turns to Sun, Sun, could you please take Grim and Midori to the ceremonial hall, I need to talk to Sara about something.

With her gift in hand, Midori smiles and nods, following along with Sun as he escorts them back out of the hatchery.

Lang then turns to Midori and hands her the black silk wrapped item.

I know how much you cherish your weapons, they are very much a part of your culture, well at least that is the way I see it. I asked Master Hito to teach me what he knew of your culture.

he hands the present to Midori.

If and/or when she opens it. it is a beautifully crafted Ninja-to sword

it is a masterwork sword and appropriately sized for Midori

I do hope that it may never have to be used in anger.

Lang bows to Midori as he presents her the gifts.

Midori, Thank you for everything that you have done, you were there when I needed someone the most, you trusted me and I returned that trust as best I could. I am honored to call you friend.

Midori delicately takes the offered gift and slowly unfolds the silk to reveal the masterfully crafted blade, delicate etching along the blade. There's a small gasp from Midori, and she lifts the blade out from the bed of silk. She turns it this way and that, clearly testing the balance.

"It's beautiful, Lang." Midori says breathily, and her eyes are glassing over slightly as tears begin to threaten.

After a moment, she sets the sword back into the silk and wraps it with something like reverence, and then slowly bows in return to Lang. "It will never be used in anger, I promise."

not quite sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing right now.

Once Midori grabs on, lang pauses for a moment, several thoughts racing through his mind. Midori can practically sense Lang definitely enjoys taking Midori flying.

After a bit, Lang takes off. He makes a few loops around the Temple grounds. he passes by several other young air benders gliding about. and she spots a few giant Owls out "spreading their wings".

eventually Lang leads them to a separate section of the temple grounds connected by a long stone bridge. There are several Owls around here, and the area Lang is taking them is what appears to be a nursery for baby Owls.

Sara and Sun seems to be there playing with three baby owls already.

Okay, the quotes around spreading their wings makes it seem like they're doing something dirty. This is probably just be and my dirty dirty mind though.

Over the course of the flight it's pretty clear that Midori is taking in the beauty and grandeur of the mountains and valleys around them, seeming to get lost in it all for a little while.

The mood carries into the nursery, with the kunoichi staying fairly silent and withdrawn, though not unhappily so. Midori's stoic demeanor cannot stand at the sight of Sara playing with the owlets, and she finally breaks into a full smile. Despite this, she stays to the rear, letting Lang take the lead.

Lang smiles at her, I know what you meant, these things are boring sometimes. I can't say there is or was a monster here, but I did promise something fun, and right now, this probably isn't fun.

Lang has a rather mischievous look in his eye right now as he looks about those present.

looking to Midori, you wanna fly? I have something to show you. looking to grim, you can come to, but you already are a rather skilled flier.

Midori's stomach flip-flops slight and she breaks into a wide grin and nods. "I would love to fly, Lang-kun."

With that said, Midori immediately moves to wrap her arms tightly around Lang, pressing close to him. Kosuke-nii used to take her flying, and with how beautiful the scenery is, she cannot wait.

Ooooh harsh. Lang just got compared to her older brother. The brotherzone is one step past the friendzone. XD

Lang was about to answer Midori when he noticed tarke listening in. Lang blushed a little, worried that his thoughts were broadcast to everyone.

Tarka, you heard all of that?

looking back to Midori, I certainly hope you will not need your weapons, But if there is a monster, I will make sure you have a weapon.

Midori had relaxed slightly at that, wondering if Lang would be able to conjure forth weapons for her with his bending abilities. It didn't matter though, she trusted him, and that was enough.

Midori stands stoically by during the exchange with Blackscales-sensei's husband. At least she understand where the name came from now.

Seeing as how Sen-fa-sama was out of ear shot and the group of children was alone for just a moment, Midori can't help but smile and say: "Is it too late to pretend there is a monster, Lang-kun? That sounds like more fun than--"

Her eyes suddenly widen and she clamps her mouth shut, realizing exactly how horrible and uncaring she had sounded. She was here for Lang, enjoying his hospitality and she had deliberately and directly insult both him and the monks that were hosting them.

She ducks her head in shame, turning to Lang and bowing deeply. "Moushiwake arimasen, Lang-kun. I didn't mean to imply that your hospitality was insufficient, or anything less than wonderful."

Lang smiles again, midori seemed to know just the right thing to say to make him feel better.

he was lost in thought for a moment, he didn't even realize he was staring at midori. Midori, there is something I have been meaning to ask you...

but before he could finish someone comes out on the balcony interrupting. You, you are the avatar boy right? he asks.

Lang toward the man, yes, why do you ask?

your teacher, the one I was speaking with earlier, where did she go? he seemed rather agitated about something as he asked.

I don't know, oh, I am sorry, Midori, this is Sen-fa one of the earthbending masters. Lang tries to make a polite introduction.

Sen-fa simply stays on topic. I was keeping tabs on her, the she suddenly vanished. Something is going on, I think she is behind it. he seems a little...

Midori seems to stiffen almost instantly as the pair are interrupted, shifting easily back into her polite mask. "Pleasure to meet you, Sen-fa-sama." she bows deeply when they are introduced.

Midori takes the offered hand, but Lang can feel her tension through her grip, and she looks just a little pale under her golden skin.

When she has the chance, she leans in and whispers in Lang's ear a little frantically. "Lang-kun, I don't have my weapons. What if there's a monster?!"

Lang simply sighs, then looks at Midori, then toward the door. come-on with me Lang takes her hand and goes out onto the balcony.

the view is amazing

Once outside, Lang takes a moment to gather his thoughts. I really don't like these sort of functions. but still, at the same time, I know they are ncessary. turning to look at Midori, Thanks for coming.

Outside of the stiffness and formality of the main event, Midori relaxes her uptight persona a bit, flashing Lang a real smile, instead of the tight, reserved and polite smiles that have been plastered on her face the past while.

"Just wait until the ceremony itself, Lang-kun. I'm sure there will be even more to be excited about." she says coyly, taking in a deep breath of the mountain air. "Someone needs to be here to make sure we keep that promise of doing something fun every day, ne?" she pokes Lang softly in the ribs after saying that, trying to cheer him up a bit.

As the pre-ceremony of politics and greetings wears on, in soon becomes obvious that Lang is really getting bored of this, and is constantly eyeing the doors to a balcony that overlooks one of the training grounds.

as he makes his way among the guests his steps keep moving closer to those doors.

Perception for Ephebe: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Through all the hubbub going on around the meet-and-greet, Midori (who had been escorting Lang throughout) misses Blackscales-sensei's hurried withdrawl from the room. She does note one thing though, and during a quiet moment of respite Lang has from the Important People crowding the room, Midori quietly asks: "Is something the matter Lang-kun? You seem distracted."

Well first of all, despite the original idea about the ceremony, I wanted this time, away from the school, for all of us to learn more about each other and become closer friends.

I had planned that there be some sort of social even, (with dancing perhaps) after the ceremony. This is the chance for Lang to try to put his feelings about Ignace behind him.

EDIT: but something else may be happening with Lang, emotionally, and it kind of scares him right now.

I'm totally down with more social happening, but Midori is extremely hung up on being what she considers (and has been taught, repeatedly) a "good guest". Quiet, polite, demure. She's doing everything in her power to not offend her hosts or their esteemed guests.

I'm hoping that it's come across as kinda sad actually. Midori's got all this spunkiness and joy in her, but she pushes it down and represses it because that's not how she's "supposed" to be.

Anyway, just explaining why she's been so quiet since the arrival at the temple. She needs something or someone to pull her out of that state.

Lang takes the package that Sun gave him and gets up from the table. everyone that will be joining me, please follow me I will show you where we will be going. there is a reception hall at the entrance to the ceremonial chambers. come on I'll show you

Lang motions for everyone to follow him.

Midori following along with Lang, the very model of perfect manners and respect - at least for her. When introduced to the various Very Important People, she's careful to bow fully and deeply.

She doesn't speak unless spoken to, but she does appear to watching Lang for cues on how to act.

Lang takes the package that Sun gave him and gets up from the table. everyone that will be joining me, please follow me I will show you where we will be going. there is a reception hall at the entrance to the ceremonial chambers. come on I'll show you

Lang motions for everyone to follow him.

Midori stands as follows as directed, watching curiously at the interaction between the Master and Sara-rin.

Lang enjoys his lunch with his school friends, but he can't help but feel there is something glaring at him.

looking to his friends, after lunch there is a greeting time, where I am supposed to meet all the visiting important people that came here. I was wondering if any of you guys want to come along. I know it will probably be rather boring, so I will understand if you don't want to. I'll see if i can have Sun show you around the temple until the official ceremony begins.

He waits to hear what the others think.

Midori doesn't hesitate in answering, though she's fairly quiet right at this moment, speaking softly and in a respectful tone of voice. All of her rather substantial knowledge of manners and etiquette are on display. Lang notes that she has eaten a fair bit of everything served to her, but left a little of each dish on the plate.

"Lang-kun, I will of course join you." she says with a soft smile, and seems a little confused when the some of the others aren't nearly as gracious.

yes that is what that means... and as far as Ignace goes...well lets just say Lang has real mixed feelings about that right now. Lang is really confused about that sort of thing at the moment but does not have the time to figure it out.

Women, eh? ;D

Midori sits down at her meal looking somewhat shocked. She really wasn't expecting to see foods she recognized. She glances around the table and sees that her serving is distinct and apparently tailored to her.

Instantly her paranoia kicks in, wanting to know how much they know about her and why they would go to such lengths. A small but convincing part of her brain whispers that Lang must have told them at least something about her.

That calms her down enough to sit and smile politely. She's the perfect guest, waiting and watching to see if there are any rituals to be observed before eating.

"Itadakimasu." she says quietly before beginning to eat.

Grim, still somewhat out of breath from his early activity is is also given some significant pause, though is not effected quite as much as his friend and retains some measure of speech as he leans on his friend " you look nice Mindori... Not that you don't always look nice... Just.. Yeah, nice"

Midori is suddenly extremely glad that Ignace didn't come with them, with the way Grim and Lang were reacting. A similar reaction from Ignace - or even the lack of such a reaction - would probably make Midori all flustered and unable to focus.

Instead she just grins at Grim happily. "Thank you, Grim-kun."

already set with food more accustom to each guest's tastes.

Does that mean they're serving cuisine appropriate to Midori's homeland?

anyway follow me, i take you to the dining area, and we can stop by and get Midori and Tarka as well.

Lang escorts the lovely ladies and his best bud through the area where the girls dormitory is (to get the others).

Midori takes one last, long look at the pouch of weapons before turning and walking away.

---

Lang and company will find Midori already heading out of the girls dormitory to find them.

The change is somewhat dramatic. Before, Midori had favoured simple, practical clothing. Clothing that left her free to move and twist and fight if necessary.

Now she's wearing a regal, silken yukata of rich green. The golden embroidered leaf pattern matches Midori's skin tone perfectly. Even her bearing has shifted subtly, standing straighter and taller, no longer with her typical slink in her step.

Her smile hasn't changed though, grinning at her friends. clearly in a good mood. "How do I look, mina-san?" she asks cheerily.

"You probably know better then I do. You're way older then me anyway, almost certainly."

"Maybe, Tarka-san." Midori replied uneasily, her eyes going out to the gazebo. "I think they're ready for us now." she said, and couldn't help but smile as she watched the very un-sneaky Sara try to sneak up on Lang.

"I've worked with madness for a while. Get powerful enough, and you need very little of either of those things."

Midori fidgeted nervously, unsure exactly what Tarka was talking about. "I think you would need even more if you were that strong. Power shouldn't be taken lightly." she said back, sounding uncomfortable at Tarka's strange attitudes, but sticking by her convictions.

ok I am going to assume then that Midori and Tarka and the rest are not at the Gazebo then.

Nope, we're still standing next to Midori's bed. ^_^

"Or you could just be magically powerful."

Midori just shrugs at that assertion, her melodious voice quiet as the girl seems to be in a pensive mood. "Maybe. I don't know much about magic Tarka-san, but being powerful won't give you the patience to wait for the right time to strike, or the dscipline to not get angry when things go wrong."

Midori Tsuyomi wrote:

Midori looks at Tarka, wondering briefly how different Tarka's upbringing must be from her own. "Maybe, but such times also teach us patience and discipline, ne?"

"Ug. That sounds terrible."

Tarka makes a little bit of a "blech" face.

"That which is difficult makes us better." Midori replies, though it sounds distinctly like she is quoting some adage rather than speaking for herself. "Both patience and discipline are important in combat."

Midori looks at Tarka, wondering briefly how different Tarka's upbringing must be from her own. "Maybe, but such times also teach us patience and discipline, ne?"

"Nah, I don't wear clothes, usually. I've got scales. I just came to see what you were doing. The view is rather dull, quiet and peaceful and all that. I couldn't manage to stay at a place like this for very long."

Tarka passively bobs back and forth, rather cheery, with something of a creepy smile- lizards aren't really supposed to try and smile. Though, she isn't very threatening, as she's still no bigger then a housecat.

Midori blinked as she tried to make the connection between scales and clothes. That confused her. She knew plenty of nagaji in her homeland that were scaled but still wore clothing.

"I was just... putting my pack away." Midori lied, fidgeting slightly as she did.

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

"Peaceful isn't bad, I think." she said wistfully, trying to change the subject. "Peace is hard to find, and all it takes it one person to disrupt it. We should treasure it while we can."

Tarka materializes silently on a nearby bunk, having grown quickly bored of the view. Wondering what Midori was up to, she watches curiously and silently nearby, making no actual attempt to be stealthy.

Midori looks like she was about to reach out to the pouches on her bed when Tarka's sudden materialization takes her by surprise. She jumps and blushes, quickly tossing her pack on top of the other pouches.

"Ano... hello, Tarka-san. Are you going to get dressed too?" she asks, trying to be as casual as possible while blushing pretty fiercely.

Midori draws herself away from the magnificent view offered by the mountains and back to the present, smiling gladly as she watches Sara braid their sensei's hair. The simple act, a moment of peace. She was slowly growing to accept peace, as strange as that sounds. It wasn't something she knew much about. A shinobi's life was not peaceful.

Maybe she was just getting complacent though. That's when enemies find you. That's the moment they wait for.

Shaking those dark thoughts clear from her head, Midori retrieves her pack and moves gracefully back towards her bunk, intent on stowing away her belongings before Lang's ceremony starts.

Midori almost missed it. She wasn't looking for anything to be on her bed, but there they were. Her weapons and toolkit. She froze.

It had been a big step for her, to leave the weapons behind. To trust, completely. It hadn't just been about not offending their hosts - she could've secreted away a kunai or two, just in case - but about letting go of the side of her that was suspicious of everyone. It had been a show of trust to her friends.

And here they were. Sitting on her bed. Waiting for her. She could slip a kunai up her sleeves and nobody would be the wiser. It would be easy, and it was the safe option. She could protect herself then...

Sara and Bee wrote:

Sara smiles a little more when Midori says she's pretty.

"I can braid your hair if you want. I liked braiding mama's hair."

"I would love that, Sara," she said, smiling. "Where would you like me to sit?"

Midori smiles genuinely, relaxing now that Sara's state of dress was finally looking a good deal more presentable. She sits calmly next to Blackscales-sensei, looking out from the building they were in to the mountain valley home of the Airbenders. It was supremely beautiful, the air crisp and clean. She felt strangely... at peace.

Or, as her parents would say, complacent.

"Hi Mrs.Ephebe. Midori is helping me be pretty."

She smiles happily.

"You don't need help with that, Sara-rin." Midori replies kindly, smiling at the younger girl.

"Oh, well, that doesn't even qualify as mischief really...Okay, no problem. I'll just ask her to help me fix my hair. That should keep her busy for a few minutes," she said, giving him a pat on the shoulder and heading in to the girls' dorm where Midori was helping Sara fix her outfit.

"Everything going okay in here?"

Midori was indeed fussing over Sara's clothing, helping her fix it and look presentable. Midori herself looked at least somewhat uncomfortable in the flashy (at least, by her standards. The yukata was actually somewhat understated) clothing.

"Hai, sensei!" she says, looking up from Sara as Ephebe approached. "I think we're almost ready."

Hah, yeah that looks pretty close. (Though Midori's hair isn't quite as long).

Tarka, Lewis, Sara, and Midori wre escorted to a pagoda styled two story building. there are several other girls there all of varying ages but none seem over the age of 14. all of them wear yellow robes similar to Lang's robes.

they greet you as you are shown to a common bunk room for your stay.

the same for the boys (minus the girls in yellow robes, rather boys in brown robes greet them)

both are shown to a bath house and changing room. and are given clean linens for their bunks. everything here is of simple design. and basic colors. there definitely is a lack of extravagance here but the accommodations have an inviting appeal to them.

around the far side of the bunk areas is a large balcony that overlooks the mountains. the view is rather breathtaking. the crisp clean mountain air is refreshing. there is a stone path that connects the balconies of the boys and girls bunk houses. they come together after each one crosses a bridge to a stone Gazebo atop a mountainous pillar they view from the Gazebo might give one the feeling of flying as there is little to detract from the view of the surrounding mountain range.

After availing herself of the bath house (for another lovely soak in the hot water) and graciously thanking their hosts for their hospitality, Midori dresses herself in the piece of formal wear she had packed - the yukata Ignace had designed for her.

Said garment is a deep, rich green colour with a graceful and subtle golden leaf pattern embroidered into the silk. The belt sinches around Midori's waist, sitting comfortably. The colouration of the robe compliments the aasimar's golden hued skin wonderfully, making her look... almost regal in presentation, especially with the way her bearing shifts to match the somewhat restrictive clothing. Her horn sticks proudly out, the pearly white appendage removing the need for any head accessory.

Midori spends some small amount of time fussing with her hair. She never really knows how to properly style it (possibly one of the reasons why the ponytail is her favoured fashion). In the end she settles on a simple sweep for the front and a bun in the back.

In the end, the combined effect of Midori's age along with the lovely gown and simple hairstyle is one of... potential. This is a girl on the cusp of beginning her transformation into a woman. She has sleek grace, but she has yet to develop any truly "feminine" allure. (She ain't got no curves (yet)!) In spite of this, she does look rather resplendent.

"Do you need any help, Sara-rin?" Midori calls out to her friend, having finished her own preperations.

Master Hito leads the group across a long bridge spanning a huge chasam arriving at the main temple gates on the other side. in the skys about the temple airbenders practice thier flight, some with gliders and others using thier robes similar to the way Lang does.

Once across, several girls are there to greet everyone many are about the same age as lang. Hi, lang greeting him as he enters. covering thier faces slightly, trying to hide thier flushed cheeks.

Lang simply smiles and waves.

girls, please, you have studies to het to, run along now. Master Hito says shooing the girls away.

Let me show you to where you will be staying. you will be seperated, boys in one building, girls, in another. there are facilities to bathe and change if you wish. Onace you had teh chance to relax and freshen up, Lunch will be served.Hito directs them to the approriate buildings.

Midori lets a breath out as their host seems to let slide Lewis' horribly rude (at least, to her mind) question. Midori briefly toyed with the idea that since Tarka had seemingly discarded any notion of honour then it must've worn off on Lewis, hence the lack of respect. She discards the notion though, deciding to give her classmates the benefit of the doubt this time.

Midori cannot help but perk up at the mention of the bath. I mean, they had been at the hot springs earlier, but... well. A bath was a bath, and of course she would not give offense to their hosts by refusing hospitality.

The only girls with the group are Sara and (if she counts) Tarka, yes?

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Master Hito-sama." Midori says to their host with a bow before the group splits off in different directions.

Lewis looks at the benders, his head cocked sideways.

"Why are you all smooth?"

At very least, Midori has the presence of mind to look embarrassed on Lewis' behalf, a rose tint on her golden skin indicating her blush as she glances at Lewis.

Master Hito takes note of each of Lang's companions. then he speaks to everyone.

all of you come from different cultures and differenct life experiences, I will not ask any of you to give up what is cutomary for your society.

it is almost as if he was looking directly at midori, a gentle yet subtle motion of his hand indicates her weapons. though I do hope that the rest of the day and this evening will be, touble free. he adds.

Lng notices Chao in the back. he gives him a glare, wondering what trouble is about to follow.

Midori accepts the mild rebuke from Lang's master with a bowed head. Before they cross the bridge into the temple proper, Midori pauses and bends down, unfastening her leg holster, and setting it to the side, leaving it unguarded.

It's still a disconcerting feeling for the young shinobi, to feel vulnerable. It wasn't just weapons in her kits after all, but other tools as well. She hurries to catch up, feeling somewhat naked.

within seconds after Ephebe left, master Hito and several of the temple elders arrive.

Welcome back, Avatar Lang, I see you have brought some of your new friends from the school.

lang turns to face his masters. giving a respectful bow. Yes Master Hito. I delivered the message to the del sol family as instructed, but I am afraid that they are unable to attend, including, he pauses there trying to gather the right words as well as trying to maintian a proper composure.

The elders stand by awaiting the rest. lang eventually finishes They could not attend, that is all he finishes.

motioning toward Sara, master Hito, I would like to present sara, she has lost her famil and I have discussed it with her, she would like to call this place her new home, and I, her brother.

Lang indicates for sara to bow as he did to show respect.

Lang continues to introduce all of the others as well.

Foul: your air bender could be with the elders to greet Lang, it would be acceptable considering he too will be honored as a new "master"

Midori presents herself as well as she is able, bowing deeply and respectfully as she's introduced to Lang's masters, holding her tongue and only speaking when spoken to, as is appropriate given her age and guest status. She's extremely conscious that she has yet to remove her weapons, but keeps quiet for the moment, unsure of the protocol required of her.

After Midori hopped off of Simba, she turns and bows deeply to the giant owl, thanking him bearing her all this way.

"Do you need help down, Sara-rin?" Midori asks, looking up at her younger friend.