Avatar Rose: Dusk

Ch.44: Nathan

Evan and I explore the house. It's not big, but it has enough room for basic living, so I guess it can't be called small. Rowan's room is across the hallway from Rose's. Evan turns the doorknob, and we both enter. The walls are a modest grey colour, very opposite of Rose's bright teal. The only colour that really stands out is the maroon quilt, spread across his bed. Otherwise, all the furniture is made from dark oak. The room is fairly neat, save the piles of who-knows-what packed under the bed.

I hear Evan groan from behind me. Seconds later I hear the sound of a flask opening. Next comes the sound of chugging, and then the *pop* of the lid coming into place. "What a depressing place," I hear him drawl, and then he walks in front of me and jump onto Rowan's bed. "There's no taste in this room at all," he says, stashing the flask back in his jean pocket.

I walk around the bed. On another side is a desk. Wooden of course, accompanied by a offset wooden chair. On the wooden surface is an open leather book, with a uncapped fountain pen right beside it.

The rushed scrawls scribe these words:

Tied to the moonlight, the waves do as told.
It's not that the ocean has will of her own.
An endless dance,
Master and servant,
Each tied to the other,
Yet they live in harmony.

What if the waves felt love?
A call to be wild?
Would she plead to the moon,
for another life untied?
No, the waves would dance,
To that endless melody.
No way to break free,
So she lives forced in harmony.

Say the moon loved the sun,
Felt rhythm pounding in his heart.
Would he break from his duties,
To pursue his one true love?
No, he would lament it.
There's a price for monarchy.
Be foolish to break free
From the life of harmony.

So he's a poet? What a hopeless romantic. I feel my nose crinkle in disgust.

"Hey Nathan!" Evan calls half-heartedly. "He's got a TV." He's fiddling with a remote.

"Any news on the war?"

Evan frowns. "There doesn't seem to be any channels," he says. A shadow passes through his eyes. His grip on the remote tightens.

"Come, Evan," I say before he does something stupid. There's alcohol in his system anyways. "Let's check out the rest of the house."

Ever since we entered the house, there has been a distinct aroma wafting in the air. The sweet smell of wheatgrass, along with notes of finely ground earth. Punches of well-maintained neglect, yet hygienic at the same time. The strong perfume of hard work.

It takes a strong reflection to the old man himself. His hands, although calloused and tough, work fast and with ease as he rushingly kneads dough for a new loaf of bread. His ears perk a little and his hands hesitate as he hears Evan and I's footsteps tapping as they make their way down the flight of stairs.

"Hello," I say.

The man turns. "Hello there," he says. "You must be Rose's colleagues."

Evan nods. "My name is Evan Lotekka.This is my half-brother, Nathan Li. It's a pleasure to meet you," he says, and then he drops into a bow.

I bow as well, but its hard to hold the mere shock from showing on my face. Evan's being...polite? Since when- wh-how-?

Evan rises, and all the goofiness, coolness and just... swag have all left his body, being replaced with sheer humility and respect for this old man.

I don't know much about my brother's past, or the struggles he went through and why he became an bounty hunter. But as I stand witness to this scene, a sacred wave of understanding seems to tie both individuals together.

The man smiles, and then bows as well. "My name is Peter. I have no last name."

Evan shrugs. "It happens."

"Lunch is soon," Peter smiles. "Run up there and tell the others, will you?"

"Of course," Evan replies, inclines his head, and then heads up the stairs. He knocks on the door. "Open up!" He groans.

Gwen and Rowan are sitting the side of the bed, laughing.

My face falls a little. "Where's Rose?"

"Changing," Gwen replies, smiling.

"Oh okay. Lunch is soon."

"Oh, good," Rowan says, leaning back on the bed.

Evan sits on a beanbag, and pulls out a cigarette.

Gwen sees it right away. "OUT!" she exclaims.

"I'll go with you," I volunteer. "I need some fresh air."

"Fine."

Evan and I head down and out the door. He pulls a lighter out immediately, and takes a puff.

"What was that earlier? With that man?" I question.

Evan raises an eyebrow. "Right to the point," he remarks. My brother shrugs. "We have the same eyes," he says, "that's all."