Storm

Chapter 3

            She walked out of the forest just before dawn, and smiled brightly at the new day ahead of her. She missed her Mother and friends already, but she’d set out to do this, and there was no turning back now. If there was one thing Storm had never been, it was a coward.

            She may have been alone, but she’d never felt more alive.

            She giggled to herself at that thought, since for her, it was literal. Growing up in the Spirit World, she knew she’d missed a lot of what humans called ‘life’. Wan had told her about it, and she wanted to experience it for herself. Now, she could. She WAS. It was a new sensation, but a welcome one.

            With excitement pounding through her veins, Storm made her way toward the town she could see in the distance. Its fires beckoned her, as did the scent of something new and strange. Maybe it was the scent of the world.

            Yet again, Storm giggled to herself. She’d never been this far from home before. The knowledge made her giddy. When she entered the town--her first town!--she was surprised to find it empty.         

            There was no one outside, no one at all. They must all still be asleep, she thought. Humans are strange. Sleeping through the best part of the day.

            She walked down a long, wide street, and when she came to the end, she turned right out of habit. It was like Wan had told her once--if you’re ever lost, always turn right.

            So she always did.

            Not that she was lost. You couldn’t very well be lost when you didn’t know where you were going.

            She saw a tall building, and decided on impulse to climb it. It was easier than she expected--nothing like climbing the slippery cliffs near her cave. She reached the top in no time, and settled between two protruding roof tiles to watch the sunrise.

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            As Storm sat on the roof, long after the sun had begun its ascent, the town below her slowly came to life. People left their houses, and they all seemed to be headed toward one place: the long, wide street she’d passed through when she first entered town.

            She noticed, too, that they all wore some shade of red. She must be in the Fire Nation! Frowning to herself, she realized that she ought to get her hands on a… what had Wan called it? That paper that could give directions… oh, right, a map! She needed a map.

            But where to get one? Maybe someone down there would know. With quick steps, Storm climbed down the side of the building and headed back toward the big street. The first thing she saw when she turned the corner was a huge stage that hadn’t been there before. Long red curtains covered the stage, but people milled around near it as if waiting for something.

            She walked toward the stage, but quickly detoured when she saw a woman walking with a huge armful of clothes. “Here, let me help you!”

            She took half the pile from the woman, who made a surprised sound. Without all those clothes covering her face, Storm could see that she was an older, plain woman with kind eyes. Storm smiled. “What are we doing with these?”

            “Oh, thank you. Follow me.” They walked through the crowds to a door behind the stage, where a tall man stood. Seeing them, the man quickly opened the door so they could pass through it. Storm looked around in wonder--the whole room was full of clothes and masks and fake weapons.

            The woman directed her to set her pile down near the back of the room, and Storm did so. “What is this place?”

            The woman laughed. “It’s the prop room. Thank you for helping me. I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before…”

            Storm smiled. “No, you haven’t.”

            “What’s your name, and where are you from?” The man asked, tilting his head inquisitively.

            “My name’s Storm. I’m from here.”

            The man and woman looked at each other, then shrugged. “I’m Noren. This is my wife, Noriko. We’re the play directors here.”

            “Play?”

            “Yes, our theater group will be performing this afternoon.”

            “Oh, I’ve heard of that! You mean where a bunch of people pretend to be different people?”

            Noren and Noriko shared a glance again. “Um… yes, just like that. Where did you say you were from again?”

            Storm frowned, confused. “I’m from here. This is the Fire Nation, right?”

            At that, Noriko gave up getting a straight answer. “Yes… are you planning on staying in town for the festival?”

            “Festival? I didn’t know there was one, but sure!” Storm nodded enthusiastically, and Noriko laughed. “Well, you can’t very well go dressed like that. Let me help you.” Storm looked confused, but Noren grinned knowingly and backed out of the prop room. “I know when I’m not needed. I’ll leave you two alone.”

            Storm was still frowning in confusion when Noren closed the door.

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Hehe so who else knows the names Noren and Noriko? *wink wink*