[Action] 021

[fallenambitions]

[It's sometime late into the afternoon, when the sun isn't at its highest. Alexei has gone out of the house and can be found pacing around the barracks. A lot has been on his mind lately and he wanted to find something to do to distract himself. Hiding Staying in the house can only stay interesting for so long...walking clears the mind, right? Besides, it's a nice opportunity to work out his plan again that he had suggested months ago. So, he's out doing inventory stuff at the barracks, and will likely to go to the Smithy after he's finished at the barracks.]

Comments

[markofthebrave]

[At the barracks? Well, that is where Katara is today. Practicing.

But not her waterbending. No. She's working through some issues, and bending is too destructive and not violent enough. So for almost the first time since she's started training, Katara is attacking a practice dummy with her knife - and not holding anything back.

Pity the dummy. It is now full of holes.]

[fallenambitions]

[Pity? He doesn't pity inanimate objects. He'll watch her do her training routine for now, since she seems to be focused with what she's doing and it's probably not a good idea to interrupt.]

[markofthebrave]

[She's getting better at her awareness of her surroundings, and when she notices that someone has entered the barracks she groans. She didn't want company right now. She executes one more strike on the dummy and turns to see who it is.

Oh. Have a nod.]

Alexei.

[fallenambitions]

Greetings. Didn't know you fought with a weapon as well.

[markofthebrave]

[She turns to the side so as to keep him in view.] I'm learning.

[A half shrug.] It's not my weapon of choice, but it's better to be prepared.

[fallenambitions]

[He nods] Teaching yourself? Or has someone shown you how to use a knife.

[markofthebrave]

Hugo is teaching me.

[fallenambitions]

I see. Think he might be interested in teaching more then one person? A class?

[markofthebrave]

Hugo? I don't know. You'd have to ask him.

[She shrugs.] Probably. He likes to help out. Why?

[fallenambitions]

I'm looking at using the barracks as a place to hold lessons, to teach people how to fight. Particularly the inexperience, who might end up forced into the draft.

[markofthewise]

[At the moment, Sokka is the only one in the weapon shop. In fact, he's back in the smithy working on a sword, working the metal with a hammer. He's loud enough that even an old man like Alexei should be able to hear him.]

[fallenambitions]

[Heey, he doesn't have a hearing prob-...well ok, he never listens. He notices that only Sokka was in the shop when he wanders inside. It's...not a problem, but they haven't exactly had any pleasant exchanges. If he had the option, he would ask someone else working at the weapon shop. Ah well]

Greetings, Sokka.

/pretend his face isn't insane

[markofthewise]

[The moment Sokka hears Alexei's voice from behind him, he freezes. Unfortunately the momentum of his hammer doesn't and slips out of his hand just as he is pulling his arm back. As a result, the hammer will go flying behind him as a result.

Wait, isn't that where Alexei is?]

[fallenambitions]

[He reacts in time and sidesteps out of the hammer's projected path....Can't say whatever was behind him won't break.]

[markofthewise]

[Broken, no. But does it make a huge mess? Oh yes? Sokka flinches each time there's a loud sound from things falling down, crashing into each other, until at last the very last weapon falls clanging to the ground. Once that's all over, Sokka turns around to look at Alexei, doing his best to hide his unease. He doesn't do a very good job.]

Hi.

[fallenambitions]

...Maybe I should try knocking next time. [On what though, is another thing] Is it really only you here?

[markofthewise]

[Or he could get that bell he kept meaning to put on the entrance.] For right now, yeah. [He wishes he wasn't.]

[fallenambitions]

Hm. Well, I came in here with a request. I don't know if you happen to hear about it, but a few months ago, I talked about opening a sort of school to train those who can't fight the basics. Although it doesn't have to be limited to just that. I brought it up in response to the draft the Malnosso had forced on us.

[markofthewise]

[... Alexei. Training people. Supposedly for the draft. It could all just be a ploy to-]

And you want training equipment, right?

[fallenambitions]

Correct. I don't need them right at this very moment. I need to see if the people who had expressed interest in teaching, still are. Will have a better idea of what equipment we'll need exactly. Thought I would inform those employed in this shop, ahead of time about this project.

[markofthewise]

I'm sure it's nothing the four of us can't handle. And it'll be better than working on playground equipment.

[fallenambitions]

Thank you. I'll keep you posted then. [And if there's nothing else, he'll be turning to le-...er well, notice the mess.] ...Do you need any help cleaning this up?

[markofthewise]

[From you Alexei! Ha! I think not!]

No. I'll get it.

[fallenambitions]

All right. [Leaving Sokka to his mess then.]

Have someone not from Avatar...

[i-like-fluffy.livejournal.com]

[Outside the smithy in the square Stitch is hanging out with his icecream and water bottles. And the water balloons. He saw Alexei go into the smithy, and when Alexei exits the smithy he'll be greeted by a few well thrown balloons filled with water breaking over him. It is after all, a hot day, and Alexei must therefore need cooling down yes? Especially after being in that hot smithy.]

Fff Sup Stitch

[fallenambitions]

[Oi, oi! What's with the balloons!? First a hammer and now water balloons!? He's beginning to wonder, if today was a good day to go for a walk. Well, Stitch was able to get one direct hit in, but he avoids the rest of them. Now he's soaked on one side of his body...wonderful. This is not a very happy look, Stitch.]

Did you throw those balloons?

[i-like-fluffy.livejournal.com]

[Stitch not like scary face Alexei. See this look? This look is full on innocence and seriousness.] Alexei looked hot. Stitch cool Alexei down.

[fallenambitions]

Next time, ask before you decide throwing balloons filled with water is a good idea. Otherwise you'll find yourself in a very bad situation. [His voice might have sound a little harsh...he's been in a bad mood.]

[i-like-fluffy.livejournal.com]

[Stitch will look pathetic at that.] Ah. Stitch sorry. [He'll think for a moment and brighten up a bit.] Alexei want icecream? Stitch have yummy flavours.

[fallenambitions]

[He's unfazed by how pathetic you look you gave, Stitch. ] I'd prefer a towel and a change of clothes.

[i-like-fluffy.livejournal.com]

Okay. [And Stitch will race off at high speed into a shop, returning just as fast with some clothes that look like they would fit Alexei and a towel. He'll hold them out to Alexei.]

Here.

[fallenambitions]

[...]

You didn't have to go out of your way to do that. I have a change of clothes back home. [...he'll take the towel at least. What a weird dog. Intelligent]