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Post by naviex on Jul 12, 2012 18:23:41 GMT -5
Name: Taeya Bender: Earth Location: Republic City Park Tagged: Anyone
[9:47am] It was a cool sunny morning in Republic City. Only a few puffy clouds dotted the blue sky. Taeya was sitting on one of the benches in the park. She supported her arms on the bench back and slowly closed her eyes...only opening one eye lazily as the breeze played with her hair. By her side was a small box wrapped in a green cloth laced with yellow trimming, it smelled delicious. Taeya was in a good mood today... She didnt have to work, she woke up early to catch the sunrise and prune her bonsai trees....she was already contemplating where she was going to take a nap after lunch. Was it going to be on the porch...in the garden...or would she come back to the park for her quick snooze? All she knew is that it would be outside....the weather was simply delightful today.
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Minako Ayumu
Winged Lemur
Just a Tea Shop worker! <3
Posts: 13
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Post by Minako Ayumu on Jul 13, 2012 23:54:59 GMT -5
Minako swept out the tea shop, dust puffing out the open doorway. The other workers clinked in the back as they prepared for opening. The day was cool and bright, a good day for a hot cup of tea. They would surely have good service, and she looked forward to it. Working always delighted her, because it provided her with a home away from home. It was quiet outside, with few people out and about except for the few shop owners who were opening up. The honk of a horn sounded in the distance somewhere, the chatter of an animal in another direction. All was calm. It was soothing.
Smiling, she hummed and swept off the welcome mat at the front of the shop and paused, breathing in deep of the sweet air, not yet full of soot from the Satomobiles from down the street. A lovely day indeed. Setting the broom against the wall inside, she brushed off her apron and looked around. Adjusting the sign of the shop, she smiled and nodded. All was ready for the day.
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Post by naviex on Jul 14, 2012 1:44:22 GMT -5
After about an hour of snoozing Taeya decided to get up and stretch. She scanned the park for anyone in close proximity. There was no one in seeing range, though she could hear chattering.
She walked into a small patch of sunlight that had found its way through the thick trees. She made another quick glance around to see if anyone in view, seeing nothing she closed her eyes and began doing a small shadow boxing routine. She imagined her latest fight, a big fellow but quick, she ducked..she dodged..thew him a slip-one-two..basically replicated her movements from that fight. She imagined the the crowed, how they roared..the cheering..the smell of sweat...she loved it! She lost herself in her training, only to brought back by the awkward feeling being watched. Her eyes shot open to see a young couple hesitating to walk past her with the fear of being struck...
"Sorry" she said as made her way back to her bench. The couple briskly walked past her, whispering something just out of ear shot. She gave them a pouty face as she plopped down on the bench. Boredom set in again..this time her new target was a small stone figure. It was about knee height, perfect for working on low kicks. She positioned herself and delivered a controlled yet hard kick to the statue. "Oh..ho ho...Putting up a fight I see." She mocked the bored looking statue of a Lion Monkey. She picked her leg up for a low side kick....
"Destruction of public property is vandalism you know. Am I going to have take you to HQ and let you explain to the Chief why we have to replace another one of those hideous statues?" - Said a man behind Taeya.
Taeya smiled and turned about quickly to see a man about 6'3, graying short hair and mustache. He had on a metal bending cop uniform.
"Dad! You scared me!" She smiled. "I du'no Tae, that Lion monkey looked pretty terrified...but I would be too if I had a manly leg come at me like that.." he stuck his tongue out as Taeya playfully punched his arm as she made her way back to the bench.
"Mom made sticky bean buns today...rice...veggies...and...something else.." She said as she picked up the box. "Well, I saw a nice tea shop down the road..lets head there. Spirits know I need the caffeine..." He said re adjusting his cap. They made their way into town.
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Minako Ayumu
Winged Lemur
Just a Tea Shop worker! <3
Posts: 13
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Post by Minako Ayumu on Jul 14, 2012 2:00:35 GMT -5
As the morning rolled on into early afternoon, The Elephant Koi Teahouse slowly filled with people. Minako was kept busy serving small sandwiches, sweets, and plenty of teas of various kinds. Using her waterbending, she entertained the guests in between orders, and smiled as she stood there, bowing as they clapped. Chuckling, she brushed her braided hair behind her shoulder and went to fetch more tea as a worker in the back called an order out to be served. People chatted lightly within the shop, and Mina happily socialized with the customers, even flirting with a few men who sat in a group. They left her a hearty tip, which she pocketed eagerly.
"Two jasmines, up!" Came from the back and she picked up the order, taking it to the couple, then turned and took up empty plates. A nice, busy day. All the better. Busy days meant good tips, and good tips meant rent and food and personal endeavors.
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Post by naviex on Jul 14, 2012 5:01:52 GMT -5
"Elephant Koi Teahouse? Really dad...." - Taeya lifted an eye brow. "Its my Favorite place..." Her dad responded, he knew his daughter wasnt fond of tea.
Taeya eyed the wooden Elephant Koi sign. "I mean have you ever seen an....elephant Koi?" She asked. "Ive seen a few in my day...Lot bigger in person.." He nodded. "They have other things to drink here...so cheer up kiddo" He opened the door and entered after her.
The tea shop was buzzing today. A large group of guys were pushing their way towards the exit, trying not to disturb those around them. They nodded to Taeya and her father as they left the building. "Pretty busy..." Taeya said surprised. Not being a huge fan of tea she was shocked that many others were.
"Busy for a reason." Her dad encouraged. "Lets take a seat here.." He gestured to a small table by the door. They both sat down.Taeya had to resist the urge to place her feet on the table a bad habit she picked up when she was small. "So, where's your brother?" Her dad asked as he handed her a small paper menu. Teaya shrugged.."Working...He had to head out to the mines early today..He was actually gone before I finished trimming the bonsai.." Her father nodded as he scanned the menu. "So...what about you? Anything interesting at work....are you going to be home for dinner...I think mom wanted me to ask you that."
Her father shrugged as he took a breath..knowing that he would not be home for dinner and his wife is not going to be happy about it. "'fraid not kiddo...Chiefs got us metalbenders working over time...cleaning out that old Equalist bunker.....round'n up the last bit of evidence...Bei Fong wants all the equalist stuff in police hands......" He pinched the space between his eye brows... "I'll be glad when all this is behind us..."
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Minako Ayumu
Winged Lemur
Just a Tea Shop worker! <3
Posts: 13
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Post by Minako Ayumu on Jul 14, 2012 17:51:34 GMT -5
Mina looked up to see a couple more walk in after the group of flirty men left. She smiled as she recognized one of the policemen who frequented the teahouse. Looked like he was here with his daughter. After serving the tray of sandwiches to a table, she approached them with a smile.
"Welcome again, Officer." She said to him. "Welcome to the Elephant Koi Teahouse. How may I serve you? Shall I start you with a round of jasmine tea or would you like something different today?" She asked, being the good hostess and server she was. A rattle was heard behind her and she glanced back to see a toddler had spilled his mother's drink. Sighing, she quickly cleaned up the spill with her waterbending, disposing the now dirty liquid out the window.
"I'll get you a replacement cup in just a moment, ma'am!" Minako remarked to her and the woman waved her off with a smile.
"It's alright, dear, no hurry. Thank you." She said. Chuckling, the girl turned back to her customers with a grin. It was obvious she enjoyed her job very much.
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Post by Humanoid Female on Jul 14, 2012 20:03:32 GMT -5
Chen rolled out of bed and looked outside her window. She assumed that it was halfway to mid-day, perfect. She would be able to catch Yu before she left for work. She walked out of her room and into the living area.
"Glad to see you up so early." Yu joked. She was almost ready to go. "Haha, very funny." Chen yawned. "Breakfast?" "No time today, I left some money on the table. Go buy something." She thought for a second, "I found a tea shop the other day that I think you might like. It's called The Elephant Koi Teahouse, not to far from here. Got to go, see you tonight!" She smiled and went out the door.
Chen looked at the money and snatched it up. She want back into her room and changed. Her hair was giving her a little trouble, but she managed it somehow.
"The Elephant Koi Teahouse..." She said reading the sign, "this is the place." Chen Stepped inside and sat at the closest empty table. She looked around at the different people. Her eyes focused on a man in a police uniform and what seemed to be his daughter. She sighed, Lucky girl...
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Post by naviex on Jul 14, 2012 20:11:38 GMT -5
The officer nodded. "Yes, I would love a cup of Jasmine tea...extra strong..Im going to need it...long shift tonight."[/b] He smiled weakly.
Taeya lifted an eyebrow as she read the menu. "Um...no tea for me..Do you have any pomegranate juice?" she asked hoping not to offend the waitress. "Also...can I have an order of sweeten almonds...."
She placed the boxed lunch on the table and began unwrapping it. "It smells amazing....mom really out did herself for lunch. I guess she was in a good mood today?" Teaya questioned. Her dad smiled warmly at his child. "Welp...I guess Im going to have pick up flowers on my way home tomorrow morning." He grimaced as letting slip the time he was getting off. "Tomorrow Morning?! Thats not fair..." Taeya shouted. "Taeya!" her dad scolded. "That comes with the territory.....This city ain't gonna clean up itself. The sooner we clear up this mess..the sooner we can get back to normal...normal working times at least." He breathed as though trying to convince himself.
Taeya let out frustrated sigh. "Yeah..well if there is anything I can do let me know...Im not too shabby at metalbending...." "I know kid, but most of this stuff is classified."
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Minako Ayumu
Winged Lemur
Just a Tea Shop worker! <3
Posts: 13
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Post by Minako Ayumu on Jul 14, 2012 20:18:08 GMT -5
Minako looked up as another customer walked in. She smiled and welcomed her as the girl went and sat at an empty table. Her blue eyes then returned to the officer and his daughter and nodded.
"Jasmine, extra strong, pomegranate juice, and sweetened almonds. Not a problem!" She put her notepad back into her apron. "I'll get those orders in right away. Thank you!"
She then walked over to the newcomer and greeted her the same as everyone else, still all smiles. "What would you like today, miss? We have a wonderful array of fine teas available." She offered.
"Need a refill of Rose Herb Tea over here!" A man complained and Minako glanced up, rolling her eyes at the regular.
"Just a moment, Mr. Xiao." She remarked to him. That made two refills she needed now. Eyes looked back at the other girl, awaiting her order patiently.
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Post by naviex on Jul 15, 2012 4:16:18 GMT -5
He nodded at the waitress and placed his hat on the table. "So whats your plan for the rest of the day?" he asked his daughter. Taeya closed her eyes lazily and shurgged. "Not sure...prolly gonna head back home to nap. If brother is up to it...we will prolly hit the town...maybe for some dancing or ...something...I dunno." Taeya picked up her father's hat and placed it on her head. "So...how do I look?" She smiled proudly. Her father smiled warmly. Seeing the interest his daughter had about his line of work really made his day. He wanted nothing more for both her and her brother to follow in his foot steps and join in protecting Republic City. More importantly he wanted them both to follow their heart...not letting he nor his wife call the decisions. Both of his kids were grown and are perfectly capable of deciding what they wanted to do with their life.
"So, when are you trying out for the force?" He asked. "Next big recruting session is in a few months."[/color] Taeya smiled weakly. She wanted to join the force, she knew she would love her job and she would be good at it; but something was holding her back. A secret both her and her brother shared..a secret that would destroy her father and her passion if it came to surface. "...I...I'm not sure..I think I need more training. I think -" Her father cut her off. "Pffft...More training...In metalbending? Teaya, you have completed your training...Why do you think the Masters at the academy have you training children instead of re-enrolling?Her dad questioned. Teaya shrugged.
"Its because there is nothing else to teach you! They have taught you everything they probably know! It's time for you to get out and put your metalbending to use...time for you to develope your own style and skills." Her dad reached across the table and placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "You can do anything you put your mind to...You have always been like that...You have a good head on your shoulders and a great imagination. You picked up earthbending and metalbending years before I could even chunk a pebble. Dont let this-" He touches her forehead. "Get in the way of this" He touches her chest over her heart. "Do what you want...dont let doubt and fear control you...stand firm in what YOU want to do."
Taeya let out a weak smile. She felt conflicted.
Her father lifted her chin."But, a flower only blooms when its ready...." He smiled warmly as she adjusted the hat on Taeya's head. "I know dad...."
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Post by Humanoid Female on Jul 15, 2012 20:21:22 GMT -5
"Jie tea please." Chen gave a weak smile, "That is, if you have it. I would understand if you don't." Chen looked down at the table. Jie was Chen's favorite tea. She would drink it all the time with her mother, and it was hard to come by.
Chen kept looking back at the father and daughter. She couldn't help it, the looked like they were having fun. Or, at least, more fun then Chen and her father ever have had. Chen soon got over it and was looking around at the other faces. There was a wide mix of people. Mothers and fathers, wives and husbands. Even a few elderly enjoying some tea. She saw that everyone was sitting with someone. It was nice, in a way. Everyone had their social group. Chen liked being alone, though. She could trail off in her own thoughts. It was great.
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Minako Ayumu
Winged Lemur
Just a Tea Shop worker! <3
Posts: 13
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Post by Minako Ayumu on Jul 15, 2012 23:05:00 GMT -5
"Jie it is." She replied with a smile. It wasn't a common order, but they had it all the same. She left and went to get refills for those who needed it after placing in the orders. She smiled some to herself, overhearing the officer and his daughter chat. She wished the girl luck. Benders of all kinds were useful in all sorts of ways. Especially in the protection of the city.
In the meantime, Minako set to showing off her bending, performing a small routine to entertain her guests, forming the water into different shapes of animals, people, and other designs. It wasn't much for her, but it easily impressed those around her. Save for a few people who gave her dirty looks. She swallowed and let the water drop back into their cups. She knew of the new threat... the Equalists. It terrified her. Shaking it off, she turned and went to fetch orders quickly.
She returned with the jasmine tea and pomegranate juice and almonds for the father and daughter after refilling the other orders and smiled. "Enjoy!" She said eagerly, then placed the cup of Jie tea in front of the other girl. Turning, she went to make more refills, trying to forget the looks on those people's faces.
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Post by naviex on Jul 16, 2012 0:35:19 GMT -5
"Thank you ma'am." The officer nodded as Taeya smiled "They look delicious! Thanks!" They both began eating their lunch.
"So...Dad..." Taeya said with a mouth full of rice and almonds. ".....how....long...is...your lunch..break?" Her father lifted a brow..."Taeya...dont speak with your mouthful." he scolded trying not to laugh at the way his daughter was trying to balance a conversation and stuff her face. She took a deep drink of the juice and swallowed hard. "Sorry..." she said sheepishly. He smiled, "Ive got about an hour and fifteen left. Since we have been working so late the Chief is giving up two hour lunch breaks this week. Its a curse and blessing at the same time.... You welcome the long break, but then you get comfortable and dont wanna go back in.." Teaya nodded. "Well I'm glad I am off today....Or else I wouldnt get to see you hardly any this week. I've got to head back in tomorrow. A huge shipment came in from the Southern Water Tribe...something for a festival or...some kind of gathering....I dunno." "Sounds fun." Her father said taking her hand. "What this?" He said inspecting her left hand. Taeya froze and pulled her hand back. "Its..Nothing. Just some bruises from..." Taeya thought back about the last fight she had. '...from training.....with my brother... you know..we rough house it. " Taeya smiled weakly, she hated having to lie to her dad. He shook his head as he took a bite of his food. "I swear you two.....are something else." Taeya quickly changed the subject. "So...I think I might see if I can join in the Pro-Bending matches next coming year. You know nothing official or anything...just going to try out for a team...prolly wont make it...but it's worth a try..right?" "You know your mother wont approve. You know how she doesnt-" Taeya cut him off with a loud sigh. "Like me fighting.." Taeya sat up straight in her chair, poked her chest out and placed her hands in her lap. " She wants her daughter to be the perfect lady and hopefully marry a nice fire nation gentelman and gain the respect of her grandparents and country." Taeya said in a proper accent. "Oh, how unlady like it would be for me to roll a few punches with the guys." Taeya slouched. Her father sighed. "That wasnt nice..." Taeya smiled. " I know..I'm just picking around dad...but come on, I'd be a great fighter...and you know it!!!" Her father nodded in approval. "But where would Pro-bending lead you in life? You cant make a career out of it...." "Well...I know..but still...." Taeya took another bite of food.
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Post by Humanoid Female on Jul 16, 2012 15:16:14 GMT -5
"Thanks." Chen said as the waitress left.
When the waitress started to do her routine, Chen was amazed. The different designs that she made put her mind at ease. During the performance, she noticed the dirty looks people gave. Well, that's rude. Chen thought. Why would it bother people so much that she could waterbend? She shrugged and sipped her tea. It was good. Really good. It tasted almost, but not quite, the way her mom used to make it.
Chen overheard a couple at a table beside her. "Those benders! The man said angerly, "They just think they're so amazing!" His, Chen assumed, wife cut in. "Sweety, don't get so ang--" The man gave her a look and she stopped.
Chen's tea had gotten cold, so she heated it. "Gosh, I didn't think people had such a problem with benders." Chen said under her breath.
The man had obviously heard her comment because he gave her a dirty look and said, "Bender..." He slapped some money on the table and left, his wife behind him.
Chen finished her tea and called on the waitress. Chen asked, "If you don't mind my asking, why do some people have a problem with benders?"
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Post by naviex on Jul 16, 2012 17:41:16 GMT -5
Taeya and her father enjoyed their lunch as their small talk subsided. Both her and her father's attention was brought to what seemed like an angry couple. The man and woman flusters past them, the wife seemed almost ashamed for her husbands actions.
Taeya's father looked back at the couple just to make sure there wasnt any confrontation as they left. A cop is never truly off duty. His eyes darted back to Taeya's whom of which gave shrug. "Wonder what their problem was..." Taeya breathed under her breath. "Bad day I guess.."
Taeya stared blankly out the door, almost in a trance. She had much on her mind. She began to juggle the thoughts of being on the police force and still keeping her other hobby. Would it work? Could it even work? Her eyes wondered over to her father. He looked exhausted. It seemed that he worked later and later every day, especially since the Equalist rose up in Republic City. First it was the gangs, now the Equalist. What was the next threat to Republic City? Would it be her "hobby"? How would she even break it to her father about what she does? Would she even be permitted to be on the police force if her secret was out?
Her thoughts were cut short with the loud ring of one of the police airship sirens in the distance. Taeya's father looked back at the door as two Police car whizzed by.
"Duty Calls kiddo." He stood up and took the hat off Taeya leaving a kiss on her forehead. "This should cover the tab, what ever is left is tip. See you tomorrow, tell mom I love her." Her father placed his hat on head and hurried out the door. Taeya leaned down to see as much of her father as she could before he launched himself onto the metal cables that lined the city. She forced herself to smile weakly, she really wanted to follow him. The thrill of a police chase, fighting the bad guys......fighting in general..something she always dreamed of.
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