He could feel the eyes of the king upon him, and his body turned to stone as a result. He held his bowing position for far longer than he probably should have, jerking very slightly the moment the king spoke. As he did so, the thespian slowly raised himself, straightening his posture. Despite his best attempt at looking calm, the grip on his arms did not lessen. No words could calm him. His job could be on the line because of one performance for such a person, the highest ranking official in all of the Earth Kingdom. If his career was ruined because of this, then the troupe would be back in the slums of the lower ring for certain. He could not allow that to happen.
"Then it is fortunate that I was born under the sign of the Rat." A small smile curled on his painted lips. Thin fingers flexed from underneath the heavy sleeves, momentarily releasing their hold on his arms before returning to their original positions. He let out a soft, quiet breath of air through his nose, bringing down his shoulders slightly in a feeble attempt to relax. Yun-Uk shook his head, never allowing his smile to fall, even if it became a little more hesitant at the king's words. "For someone of my status to dine with the king, I must decline, your Majesty." While it might have been a boost of popularity for himself if word got out, it might not be the best image for royalty to dine with anyone other than royalty.
"I will, however, sing for you." As he spoke, he rapidly searched through his mind for any accapella songs he could sing. None came to mind, despite the wide variety of songs he knew. Why, of all times, was it so hard for him? He could just wing it, start singing and hope for the best. If anything, it would end up being one of the songs usually sung with full instrumental... Just... Without. Yes, that sounded like a plan. Yun-Uk took a step back, fully releasing his arms so the blood could properly flow once more. Dropping his arms to his sides, he slowly opened his mouth.
ooc: it's so hard to find lyrics to anything that isn't in western langauges or japanese. isjfoiejsf. because of that, uh, here's a link to the song he's singing or something. @w@;;
Lee’s spirits plummeted below the stone foundations of the palace as Yi Yun-Uk declined his request. He sensed the same fear and discipline in the songbird that he himself felt. It was a shame that the notion of closeness with this person was laughable due to his elevated station. He felt he was no better than anyone else. Frustration bottled up within him but he remained cool and detached. He suppressed a primal scream beneath a mask of restraint and merely nodded.
The siren parted its lips and began to sing. The sound produced caused the King to draw in a breath and move to the edge of his seat. There was a sweet beauty in the tone of her voice that came from youth. However, she had complete control over her voice, a trait that could only be the result of years of practice. In a matter of seconds the woman commanded the attention of the entire room.
The song was a bitter sweet melody for the King, though he wasn’t listening to the lyrics. He knew they spoke of love, just as every song did. He gripped the wooden arms of his chair as a river of emotions flowed from her mouth, threatening to carry him away. In his mind he floated towards the image of his mother on the tapestry behind Yi Yun-Uk. The woman watched him with her bright green eyes before turning away. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to be swept up in the melody as he was both consumed by loneliness and comforted by the gentle lullaby.
Silence hung thickly over the room. Lee was brought back to reality as he felt Kailì brush his leg under the table. He was startled to realize that the song had ended. Glancing around the room he could tell that everyone was waiting for his reaction. He must have looked strange staring past her with a wild glare long after she had finished. Joo Dee was turning violet from holding her breath too long. The Dai Li Guards watched him, waiting for permission to clap.
The King stood and surveyed the girl. He didn’t often think about girls and he had failed to notice how beautiful the brunette was when she had walked into the room. Kailì watched Lee closely before leaning in with a smirk, "What an interesting person." The King caught Yi Yun-Uk's olive eyes and was forced to suppress a blush. He hoped she hadn't heard Kailì's teasing comment.
He brought his hands together in a slow clap, “What a stellar performance!” The rest of the room breathed a collective sigh of relief and joined in on the applause. Once the jubilant noises had subsided the King spoke again, “I can’t believe your troupe is based in the Middle Ring. I’m sure we can find someplace suitable nearer to the palace, if you’d prefer.” Joo Dee stepped forwards, “I can make the arrangements right away.”
Just then, a servant appeared and announced that the dinner hour was over and the could return to the main hall whenever they were ready.
Daiyu finished her ribs and sat back in her chair feeling full. Some of the other guests were giving her strange looks and the warrior began to wonder if she should have used a bit more etiquette. Waiters came and took the empty plates away. Just then the music started. A few couples stood up and began dancing.
It was a delightful tune even though the singer had not arrived yet. She looked towards one of the doors hoping the King would come out soon. She was getting bored and started looking around. She saw a few Dai Li standing around and knew there would be more hidden nearby. She considered asking one of them to dance, but decided it would be impolite.
Kenzan looked around the area before noticing the Kyoshi Warrior sitting down and looking rather bored. People were dancing, and the King was nowhere to be seen. Kenzan decided to have a little fun, and stood up from his chair. He walked over to Daiyu, before taking her hand in his, and looking her in the eye, before smiling."May I have this dance, Daiyu?" Kenzan asked. Assuming she said yes, he'd pull her up from her chair and lead her over to the dancing area.
The song ended with the brunet taking in a silent breath of air in order to keep the ending of the final word from being too harsh. His eyes had closed somewhere during the span of the song, and they remained closed for a few long moments afterward, only opening when he was certain his nerves would not take control. As the room returned to his vision, pushing away the darkness of the back of his eyelids, he focused his gaze on the king. Studying the man for his reaction and hoping that it would be a pleasant one, his arms moved to cross over his abdomen, his hands slipping into the opposite sleeves in order to grab onto his poor arms once more.
The king stood, and Yun-Uk had to suppress the urge to audibly gulp back his nerves. But, then came the slow clap... He could feel the heat rising to his face at the king's praise, and he was thankful that any tint of red on his face was covered by his makeup. To be praised by the leader of his troupe or by any normal audience member was one thing, but to be praised by the Earth King himself was another. His grip tightened on his arms as the small smile stretched a little wider across his face. His smile fell, however, at what the king said next. Move the troupe into the upper ring, closer to the palace? Olive eyes widened in surprise at the offer. To be praised was more than enough, but to also be offered the chance to move the troupe into the upper ring, a place a majority of the troupe could have only dreamed of ever doing?
A small frown formed on his face, thin eyebrows furrowing together as a look of thought crossed over him. As the servant came in to announce the end of the feast, he released his arms, bringing one silk-sleeve-covered hand up to his face, hovering the knuckle in front of his lips as he looked down at the floor. Moving the troupe's main theatre into the upper ring would mean more of a chance to run into his grandmother again. While he would be more than happy to see her, she would probably have the opposite reaction, assuming she recognized him. But, the troupe would be ecstatic. Their leader had always boasted about how they were going to someday make it into the upper ring to stay, and this would make their dreams a reality. However, there is also the matter of their lower class audience...
"Ah, your Majesty?" He broke out of his thoughts, eyes focusing on the king and hoping they were not about to leave the room just yet. "The movement of the troupe should be discussed with the head of the group; however, I do have a question." His hand dropped away from his mouth, the features of his face smoothing out now that he wasn't deep in thought. "Would our audience members from the middle and lower rings be able to attend, even if the theatre was placed in the upper ring?" Security was tight in the upper ring, and he did not want to lose their devoted audience members because of a move that would keep from seeing their performances.
The King was puzzled by the question that had been posed. He had never met anyone who cared so much about others that they would risk losing the chance to move up in station. He was impressed by her bravery. This matter seemed inconsequential to Lee who saw no reason why citizens from the lower rings couldn’t come to their shows. “It should be fine, provided they have a ticket.”
A small yet irritating noise came from the lips of Joo Dee. She cleared her throat, “I apologize, Your Highness. It is illegal for citizens of the Lower Ring to enter the Upper Ring without a passport. This is due to the high crime rate in that district.” Lee was annoyed that his hostess had corrected him.
He tried to seem calm as he considered her words, placing a hand on his chin. He had never been to the Lower Ring. He knew the Dai Li only patrolled the Upper Ring. They might be right in considering it a dangerous place; there was no way for Lee to know for sure.
Joo Dee turned to Yi Yun-Uk, “The King cannot be bothered by such trivial details. It is for the Dai Li to decide. They are the protectors of our cultural heritage.” Lee looked up at the smiling hostess then turned to Kailì. The older man nodded reassuringly. Everyone was telling him this matter was of no concern to him. However, when he looked back up at the vocalist he could see that it was no trivial matter.
The King was surrounded by Dai Li guards. However, for the first time in a long time he decided to take a stand. “I can be bothered! I am the King and if I say the lower class may travel freely then we shall change the law.” Joo Dee’s smile faded and all the Dai Li guarding the perimeter of the room turned their heads towards him simultaneously.
He was unnerved by the stillness of their statuesque bodies and the strange mechanical tilting of their heads. Their serious faces were unreadable to him. It was strange he hadn’t noticed how many of them there were before. Lee was suddenly unable to breathe properly. He inhaled short and quick bursts of air.
One guard approached the King, “My Lord, you look tired. Perhaps, you would enjoy a brief vacation on Lake Laogai.” The King became suddenly calm as he starred at something behind the guard. Lee moved his lips in response but his voice sounded gruff, as if an older man were speaking, “I am tired”. The Dai Li guard turned to Yi Yun-Uk, “I think it would be best if you return to the party. The King is not feeling well tonight.”
Daiyu was surprised when Kenzan took her hand. There were a lot of young, proper ladies standing around, waiting for a dance partner. She decided he must be asking her because she was the only woman he knew. She hoped he wasn’t just asking her out of pity. “Of course” She responded with a smile.
She rose from her chair and Kenzan led her to the dance floor. The warrior felt out of place here. The other women floated across the dance floor gracefully in their flowing dresses. Daiyu on the other hand was well grounded and walked with a confidence meant to intimidate her foes. She was glad she had a friend to help her pass the time. They stopped and she looked at Kenzan awkwardly, “I’ll follow your lead, alright?"
Kenzan frowned a bit inside his head with how Daiyu walked. She walked like a warrior, a fighter, who proudly represented her island. Unlike him, who walked more lightly, a hallmark to his "career" and training at the Royal Fire Academy. He smiled outwardly though, and he slid a hand down her side to her hip."Your form is too stiff. Relax, and just follow me." He spoke, as he let stared into her eyes, a kind smile on his face. His hand, still holding hers, lead her through a dance. First, it was slow, so she could learn the steps, but then their pace would quicken over time. Some people started to look at them, and Kenzan would speak if Daiyu spoke about them watching. "Hey, just focus on me, alright?" If she didn't speak, however, Kenzan would just keep leading her through the dance, spinning her around occasionally.
It was true that the lower ring had such a high crime rate; he had even been part of said crime, even if it was a little more on the unknowing side for him. Yet, no one he had seen come to their performances had been a criminal. Sure, some of them had been rough around the edges, but none of them had been downright criminals. They were just poor, but that did not mean they were criminals. Some of the people he had seen in the lower ring were certainly happier there than some of those in the middle ring.
With a curious look on his face, he quietly listened the what was unfolding. Curiosity turned to surprise at the king’s sudden outburst. A knot began to form in his stomach, and his hands moved underneath his long sleeves once more, clutching at his arms with a fierce grip, nails digging into his skin. The pain it caused went by unnoticed to the thespian. His eyes flitted from the king to the woman to the guards. He was beginning to dread the situation he was in, and he was beginning to regret ever asking his question. It would have been better to keep silent, then the king wouldn't be unwell.
No. That is what they would want.
His mind began to whirl as previous plays rushed into his vision, showing snippets of the plot line while he focused his gaze on the king. So many different plays with similar elements--corruption in the government. With rapid blinking, he brought himself back to the present, glancing between the guards and the woman. Similar elements... "Forgive me for speaking out of place, but..." Olive eyes locked on the king. "As someone who has lived in all rings of Ba Sing Se as well as outside of the walls, I can say that there is darkness within the lowest regions of Ba Sing Se, but there is also darkness everywhere else. I am also willing to take full responsibility for anyone and everyone who might stir trouble while attending performances." Despite the calm look on his face, his eyes were pleading, filled with a mixture of emotions that he would not allow to show on his face.
He was not about to leave just yet. A nagging voice in the back of his mind told him that the king should not be alone with those that should protect him. Lake Laogai did not sound like a very charming place, either. But, there was nothing he could do but stall. "A song," he started, tightening his grip on his arms. "Please allow one more song before we part paths, your Majesty. It may serve you well."
Lee found himself safe within the walls of his own mind. He floated naked on the surface of the lake. It was nighttime and he stared up at a few twinkling stars, the light of which had managed to pierce through the dark void. The tiny lights reflected off the black lake were the only things that illuminated the scene and the only ripples were those produced by the King himself. He was completely alone and completely at peace. He couldn’t remember what he had been so upset about just a moment ago, but it couldn’t have been important. He wasn’t the Earth King here, he was just Lee. Besides, he trusted Kailì could take care of any issues that arose during his absence.
Kailì stood perfectly still as he watched the guard standing in front of him. Lee’s silk Kimono felt strange against his skin and he wasn’t used to his lanky body. The King always moved gracefully but Kailì knew if he decided to move it would give the appearance of a newborn fawn taking its first clumsy steps. Lee had been foolish to speak out. His friend had let his emotions control him and now it was Kailì’s job to salvage the situation and protect his friend.
The radiant nightingale spoke and her words were elegant and full of an innocent charm. He wanted to tell her that he agreed, but the King’s welfare was his responsibility now. If Lee was assassinated for something Kailì said the old guard would never forgive himself. Kailì shook his head and was startled by the tassels which hung from his squared cap. The angel offered to sing another song and Kailì was glad for the distraction.
He wasn’t sure how to bring Lee back into his own body but he needed to do it soon. He hated the idea of going back to the party like this. He was a just an old soldier and didn’t have the finesse for politics or fancy parties. Kailì sat down in the King’s chair once more. He tried to speak like his friend but his voice came out a little too low and raspy, “Tell the guests I will be out in a moment. I have time for one more song.”
(OOC Assuming you do sing)
An unearthly voice echoed off of the walls surrounding the lake, piercing the darkness. The call was shrill and seemed to flit around like a small bird. Lee both lamented and rejoiced at the sound and as it soared to new heights the water began to vibrate and slosh around. The sky cracked and rays of light seeped through. The brightness was blinding and he struggled to stay afloat. Finally, the entire world collapsed around him.
Lee opened his eyes and blinked. He was confused. Hadn’t he been standing? The vocalist finished her song and the King stood. It had been a wonderful song, but he didn’t feel much like clapping. “I said the citizens of the lower ring could attend her shows with a ticket and that is what will happen.” The guard stared in shock, his mouth hanging agape for a moment before glancing at Joo Dee. She smiled and the guard backed away. Joo Dee spoke, “Of course we will make an exception Your Majesty. I didn’t realize you felt so strongly on the subject.”
Lee walked around to the other side of the table and extended his arm, hoping the young woman would allow him to escort her into the party.
Daiyu followed Kenzan's instructions and relaxed her form. She began to feel more confident as he led her around the ballroom. She enjoyed being twirled around and even let out a small giggle. She noticed some people were staring at them, "We don't usually dance where I'm from, girls are taught how to fight."
Kenzan must have noticed the gawkers as well because he told her to focus on him instead. Daiyu was considered tall for a woman, but she had to look up into his face. He stared into her forest-green eyes and she looked back noticing his were a startling shade of gold. She blushed and had to remind herself that he was far too young to be anything more than a friend.
The music stopped abruptly as a servant entered the room to announce the Kings return.
Kenzan couldn't help but chuckle a little bit when Daiyu blushed while dancing with him. He knew she was an older woman, old enough to be his mother in fact, but to him, that didn't really matter. After all, they were just friends sharing a dance, right? Though he feared what might happen if she found out he had been lying to her this whole time."Yes, I've heard of the Kyoshi Warriors. From what I understand, you tend to keep to yourselves, right?" He asked, as they continued to dance, at least until the music stopped.
He tried not to show his surprise when the king's voice change, standing perfectly still as the older man spoke. The change might not have been noticeable to some--or, perhaps, the guards and the strange woman were used to it--but his ears could easily notice the difference. He had seen it all the time in the theatre world, and his knowledge of music allowed for him to notice even the slightest change in pitch in a person's voice. He chose to ignore the chance, however, even though it unsettled him so. If he was already pulling assumptions out of thin air, based purely on plays of the past, then he did not want to make a fuss just because the king's voice changed. After all, there could be a variety of reasons for that.
Yun-Uk gratefully nodded when he was given the permission to sing once more, his smile turning to his painted lips. Taking in a deep breath of air, he allowed his nerves to be temporarily forgotten as he allowed himself to be carried by his own voice. He released his arms, moving his hands with the notes. The movement allowed him to round out the tune while creating a physical motion for the movement of the song. This time, however, he dared not to close his eyes, keeping his gaze focused primarily on the king to watch for any other changes. If he dared to change his focal point, glancing to Joo Dee or the Dai Li guards, he kept any eye contact to the bare minimum before returning his eyes to the king.
As the song came to an end with the words fading into silence, he allowed his hands to fall to his side, limp. The brunet remained silent as the king stood, and the change from before had been reverted. This little detail--he did not know whether to be happy or not. Regardless, his small smile widened as the king announced that the lower class would be allowed to attend. Now all the needed to be done was to obtain the troupe leader's permission, though he doubted that their leader would ever say no. Yun-Uk graciously accepted the arm offered, ignoring the strange feeling of silk-on-silk from the material the hung past his hands, completely covering them when he was not putting forth the effort to show his hands.
"Thank you, your Majesty."
Last Edit: Oct 7, 2014 17:25:03 GMT -5 by Yi Yun-Uk
The King walked down the hallway with Yi Yun-Uk on his left arm. Kailì followed closely on his right, with Joo Dee and two Dai Li agents bringing up the rear. All hints of idle chit chat ended abruptly as they entered the main hall. The guests bowed slightly as they waited for Lee to address them for the first time. The King was exhausted and still a little confused about what had happened just a few moments before. He managed a polite smile and mustered as much enthusiasm as he could, “Welcome honored guests! Let us enjoy this evening to the fullest.” Despite the curtness of his speech the hall erupted into thunderous applause as he made his way through the crowd towards the throne.
He wasn’t sure if Yi Yun-Uk would be needed to begin the entertainment or if she would stay with him as he mingled with various guests. He squeezed the vocalists arm reassuringly and whispered, “Do you see your troupe leader? We can give him the good news together if you’d like.”
He took note of several important people in the crowd. General Hibaku stood near the front of the crowd with his wife Mei Shen. The General was a few inches taller than Lee with a bald head and salt and pepper Fu Manchu. On his waist was a ceremonial katana; it was one of the few weapons allowed into the palace. He had been a close friend of the previous Earth King. The Cultural Minister, and leader of the Dai Li lurked in the shadow of a stone column near the back of the room. Lee also noticed an athletic woman in a cheap dress. He figured with make-up like that she must be from Kyoshi Island. Lee wasn’t sure why she was in the Capital, but decided to offer a brief greeting. He stopped near her and a tall man he assumed she had been dancing with.
“Welcome Kyoshi Warrior! You must be new to Ba Sing Se; I’ve not seen you around here before.” He glanced at the black haired man next to her and posed a question to both guests, “What do you think of my fine city?”
Daiyu pulled herself away from Kenzan's embrace and looked up towards the door as everyone fell silent. However, there seemed to be some sort of delay. As the wait dragged on, people began to continue their conversations in hushed tones. "Avatar Kyoshi made sure we would be able to take care of ourselves. We are a proud people and our warriors defend their own homes." She wanted to tell him that was why she was here but she decided now was not the time for politics. She could see that there were a few Generals present, but her meeting was scheduled for later in the week.
Finally, the King entered the hall. The room went silent and Daiyu made a slight bow like everyone else. She took a peek up and could see the King was a handsome man who wore a magnificent silk kimono which she imagined was embroidered with real gold. He spoke with enthusiasm but the warrior could tell he seemed tired. To his left was a beautiful young brunette who she assumed from the rumors must be the famous actress Yi Yun-Uk. She was surprised when the King noticed her, stopping to chat. "It is an honor to meet you Your Highness. You're correct. I've never been here before. I am simply responding on behalf of the Kyoshi Warriors to a summons from General Hibaku. Although, I'm sure you know all about that." She smiled but the King's face was difficult to read. "I've never seen such an impressive fortress city. I imagine it is truly impenetrable."
Last Edit: Oct 10, 2014 10:06:22 GMT -5 by Deleted
Eona: SO... is this sight still active?
Dec 21, 2014 19:04:15 GMT -5
Psychosynchrony: Hmmm... was popping in to see if this was still going. Guess not.
Apr 6, 2016 13:44:28 GMT -5
Wei Shen: If any of the admins are still here, e-mail me at Nexocidal@gmail.com, I would love to get the site started up again. I'll try to help
Apr 20, 2016 2:00:37 GMT -5
Wei Shen: If anyone does come back, I'll be checking on this site for at least once a day~ Hope to see some old members maybe
Apr 20, 2016 2:12:40 GMT -5
Guest: Is this still active?
Sept 2, 2016 13:05:51 GMT -5
Mordred: i'm here somehow
Nov 9, 2016 13:19:01 GMT -5
Wei Shen: If you see this Mordred, I PM'ed you my chat info!
Feb 16, 2017 23:34:37 GMT -5
Mordred: well i still need you to answer the pending info
Feb 18, 2017 20:02:03 GMT -5
Mordred: also i can't shoot you a message on discord since you disabled it
Feb 18, 2017 20:02:40 GMT -5
