Wandering Firebender

Fourty Nine: Strategy & Emotions

Yesterday's events were still on Elio's mind as he and Alger rode their eel-hound down the beaten path. Sensing that he had some things to work out in mind, Alger didn't try to engage in conversation with him. Elio certainly appreciated that silent understanding that they had developed.

After that battle, it was all too official now: Elio was now a part of this war, and he was fighting against his own nation. Even though he knew he was in the right and they were in the wrong, the thought made Elio's stomach queasy, especially considering what was soon to come.

It was going to take everything in him to stand with the people of the Northern Water Tribe. He could only hope that when the time came, and he could see his nation's flag approaching, he'd be able to go through with it all.

"Elio. Hey, Elio! Look ahead!" Alger said, tapping him to get his attention. He pointed forward. Elio lifted his eyes and looked ahead. He saw a familiar looking little coastal town. His eyes widened.

"No way! We're here! We made it!" He exclaimed happily.

Elio and Alger rode into the port town. Immediately, Elio was greeted by a number of sights he still recognized: the inn, the market, the dock by the beach. It wasn't as decorated as it had been before, but this was where Elio and Cindra had spent that last day together.

"I can't believe we made it to the northern shore this quickly!" Elio commented.

"Well, we've been traveling quite diligently. This eel-hound is likely much faster than however you were traveling before." Alger reasoned. Elio nodded and ran a hand on the back of Sai's neck.

"Nice job, boy. I know just where to go from here, Alger. I'll get passage to the North Pole, you should circle back and gather some supplies here in the market." Elio suggested, pulling the reins to bring the eel-hound to a stop.

"Alright. I'll meet you there soon." Alger said as Elio slid off of the saddle and proceeded on foot. Alger took the reins and rode back into town...

Elio was disappointed to learn that the ship that could have taken him further north had already left, and wouldn't be returning until the late evening. That meant that he would have to wait until tomorrow to leave. Nevertheless, he paid in advance for safe passage north.

Elio made his way back to the market and started walking through, looking around for Alger. As he made his way through, he started reminiscing about that day with Cindra. He remembered the smells, the food, the music. It was months ago, but considering all that's happened, it felt like a lifetime ago...

"Hey, I remember you, kid! Come over here." An old man called to him. Elio turned his head to look and walked over to the man when he recognized him.

"Hello again, sir. How are you?" Elio asked pleasantly.

"Can't complain, kid. How about you? You're looking strong! Did you get like 3 years older?" The old man asked with a laugh. Elio chuckled a little.

"Feels like it. Hey, how come there's not as many people here as last time?" Elio asked, referring to when he was in town before.

"Oh, that was just for the festival. Rest of the time, it's pretty quiet around here. Even more so now that word's spread of the Fire Nation planning an attack. Most people either ran off to help or just ran away." The old man explained.

"I see." Elio nodded in understanding.

"What about you? You running away too? I wouldn't blame ya." The old man inquired.

"Well, not exactly...I'm going to the North Pole."

"Oh, so you're chasing that girl you were with before!" The old man realized and started to laugh again.