The Bald Stretch

It was never meant to be this way? It was never meant to be turn out like this? She kept telling herself this despite it having been months. Months of having left her home, no not left driven out by fear and hatred. A mistake, a costly mistake. Every story has a beginning. Perhaps that was the best place to start. Perhaps it would put her mind off the cold for a time to think back and remember it all.

The girl was dressed in shorts and a top that revealed her middrift, although each piece of clothing had band of seal fur around it, while she wore leather fingerless gloves. Her hair brown, almost hazel and rather long, intricate Inuit hair pieces on either side. Her face youthful had a red tatto obscuring both eyes, red as blood. There was a confidence about her, as well as a great cruel sadness.

Uki earned her namesake due to having been born stillborn, they all presumed she would die except her parents. They gave her the name Uki meaning Survivor with hopes she would live. By some miracle she survived and through love and attention she grew strong, her parents had been said to be overjoyed.

Would they have smothered her if they had known what she would do?

Of course she considered that, but she remembered little of truly young life. No she needed to think back and remember clearly.

The time she had discovered her talent for waterbending, her awe and wonder. Swirling and caressing the droplets to form a bigger volume and create a strand. It had capitivated her, and once again her parents were overjoyed. Not only was their daughter alive, but she was exceptionally talented.

No that is not where things went wrong.

As she regarded the whole scene from the cliff, watching the waves crash against the cliffside, forceful and relentless. Hypnotic. Transfixing, but she needed to remember and realize where it all went wrong.

Thus she thought back to that day, that day she had gone out hunting and lost her group, wandering for hours, cold, starving she saw the shadow of something, an abode. With burst of speed she ran towards it yelling for help. As she finally collapsed near the entrance a kindly old woman stepped out and helped her up, before taking her inside.

That was the point.

Uki had thought she knew everyone of the tribe, but this woman did not seem familar in the least. Nothing resembling her in memory, but she seemed to be with compassion, so she accepted this and ate at the woman's house. The woman spoke during dinner how she once had been the leader of the Tribe long ago, but something had happened. Further she said that there was powers that could be unlocked that could make her the strongest of fighters.

Uki was not a person who fell for such ploys, but she had started hunting due to her Dad being ill, and when she mentioned that to the woman, the old woman gave a smile and said, "These powers could also save a person." that's all it took. That moment, she signed the metaphorical paper which began the end to everything.

The old woman told her how true waterbending is not limited to water, it can control all liquids including that of blood and in the right hands it could even save lives.

Uki not knowing better listened and watched her demonstrations it felt empowering, but there was something about this that felt wrong, truly wrong. Nonetheless she studied with this woman wishing to understand more.

Of course eventually she had to leave, and finally she was ready to return home.

When she came back to the camp her Mother was overjoyed to see her but seemed upset. She told her that her Father had tried to find her and made himself worse, and the healers were saying he could not be saved...

She stopped the memory tears in her eyes, she could not continue it for now. But that was the point, the point she had destroyed everything and no matter how much she recount it, she could not think how she could have reacted differently... An exile, without a home, she fled and kept moving never stopping... Now she was here, rumours were there was a city here where no one judged one another and a person no matter their background or crimes could find a life...

The clicking of heels against the rocky surface underneath would give away someone approaching. The back of her wrists were resting on her hips as she took careful steps, a smile firmly on her face as her purple eyes focused on Uki. When the footsteps stopped, the voice that followed was calm and collected, though with a hint of non-emotion, as though it was one only recently learning how to open up to others.

"Why are you crying alone out here? It's not a very productive motion..."

The voice was childish in some ways, yet mature in others, like it was bridging a gap between the two. if Uki turned to observe the speaker, she'd see a young teenager with pink skin and pointed ears wearing two golden, spherical earrings. The attire was impeccably noble, a shirt, dress, scarf, shawl, and skirt. Stockings, and boots with a heel, finishing a look that demonstrated status socially, if not otherwise.

"There are better uses of your time; a city should not be far from our position."

Uki looked up surprised to hear another voice. In all honesty she had not been expecting anyone, so was even a little startled which had brought her to be immediately in defensive mode, water forming in her hands ready to defend. Although when she saw it was merely this girl the water stopped defying gravity and fell to the grass, "Nor is sneaking up on people..." pausing she gave a long sigh before adding with less snideness, "Sorry, it's complicated. I was trying to understand where it all had went wrong in hopes it would give me some new answers." she did not elaborate merely walking over to Antheia, "Yeah that is where I was headed in actual fact. I just got distracted by the chaos within my mind..."

Pausing she offered out her hand, "Uki, that is I am Uki. No surname. If you are wondering why I could do what I did, I am a waterbender, it is a talent of my former tribe. Of course it can be even more impressive I was just shocked so only had time to gather up enough water in the air to form something to attack with." she shrugged, "So what brings you to this place infamous for never asking questions? If you tell me yours, I will explain why I was distracted."

Antheia paused for a moment before extending her hand in return. "Antheia R. Yes, pronounced as I said it, R. as "err". Rolling the r's is not optional." Antheia gave a confident smile at this point as she shook Uki's hand, then pulled her own hand back, it returning to her waist. "There is no wonder, though it is impressive a capacity to possess."

She looked aside temporarily. "I am here because I have returned from a long time away from this universe. Everything is said to exist in the world, and it proves true. One can go anywhere here. However, as a result of events I encountered, I now have new tasks I must complete here in this universe."

Antheia returned to looking at Uki. "If it sounds complicated, please excuse me. I do not intend to be confusing, but I cannot elaborate more. I can sense powerful forces at work on this planet, so I may need to go there next. But alas, I have, as stated, just arrived here moments ago, and saw you gazing alone in odd activity for this area."

Antheia actually kept up her smile, widening it a bit. Somehow, she seemed to have a large amount of power coursing through her, but none of it showed. It was able to be felt as an impending pressure upon the area however, and Uki would be able to tell. "So, I have shared my reasons... Allow me to hear yours."

Listening very carefully she nodded occasionally her focus remaining and never once wavering, suggesting a surprising discipline to her, she waited before finally speaking, "I can't profess knowledge on matters as far reaching as that after all until I was banished I never had left my country. So sounds like you are more worldly and I can even admire that in a certain sense. And yes I do admit it does confound me, since your knowledge is far greater than I. I lived a simple existence before all this..." sighing she turned away, "I promised and thus you shall hear... I did something horrible trying to save someone I cared for immeasurably. Something I did not understand."

Her gaze faltered and it seemed she may break down again but a long drawn out sigh broke from her lips as she stumbled out the next sentence, "My Father was very ill because he had been looking for me after I had gone missing... I had been hunting with a group as he was too ill and got seperated. I ended up finding someone far away and she taught me the secrets that would ruin my life..." in pure frustration she lift up a rock and flung it at the ocean screaming out, "I was a naive fool who was used and did not realize it... nonetheless I listened and learned and then left..." another pause her body shivering while she whimpered, "I came back to my tribe and found out my Father had gone hunting for me making his condition worse. The healers believed he would die soon... so I did the unthinkable I tried to use powers I did not truly comprehend. I went into the tent and tried to use my bloodbending to heal him, but I was foolish and utterly callous, I wanted to save him, but with so little experience I tore the blood free from his body in violent cloud, his screams his look of horror at what his own daughter had done..."

Uki seemed very close to breaking down completely now, "I came out in tears, they first sympathised until I confessed everything and then they ostracized me, called me a monster... and I was given a choice... to be banished and never return or be executed... I chose to be spared like the coward I am..." with that she completely collapsed in tears her face streaming with regret as she sniffled, "I am going here because this is only place fit for me... I murdered my Father... and tried to understand powers that were not capable of being wielded... rememeber you did ask..."

Antheia dropped the smile as she listened, though eventually, the smirk returned. "This place is not fit for even those like you. It is an empty location, a location that cannot ever repair a void of that extent." She turned her head to the side slightly, though her eyes never left Uki. "Not even the people in the hidden cities will be able to undo such a tragedy. It seems you have already gone through the first step to recovering; you admitted the feelings and accept what happened. You cannot allow it to cloud your mind and thoughts. Perfect your power here, then return to civilization. Though your people may not accept you, this is a universe where anything can be experienced. Find a new people, and a new life."

It was difficult for the young waterbender to understand, on one hand Antheia seemed sympathetic, but on the other she seemed to dismiss the idea that Uki could ever find a place to accept her. This disconnect is what led her to ask, "I don't understand... you are saying because of what I did. I'll never be accepted anything. But I was told this place Van Leugen does not care about a person's past. Ergo if it does not care I should be able to find a home here. This is why I travelled all this distance to this place. I wanted to find a place no one cared what I had done. Even better perhaps have someone teach me so I would never be able to hurt someone like I did before..." exhaling she stared at her, "Are you saying it was all for naught that I will never truly find a place that accepts me again? How can I keep surviving if this is what I am relegated too? If that is case, should I have not accepted execution, that was the honourable thing, but I was too scared and wanted to live... What are you saying?"

As she grew more stressed the water below the cliff was beginning to stir and thrash at the cliffs, completely now tied to her emotional state.

"I am saying that you are seeking acceptance. But what do you do when you receive it? Acceptance will fix little. Personally, I think seeking life would be far better. This way, whether or not you are accepted by others, your own value is not attached to being accepted, but rather, attached to you and what you decide to do from here on out."

Antheia cleared her throat. "Any location, not just those here, can pose people who will accept you. Just make sure your goal is not the acceptance itself."

The click of every step returned as she walked to overlook the sea herself. Her hands were now at her side. "Did that make sense? Your powers seem incredibly special, and I'm sure many will welcome them, just as many will fear them. Location will not change that fact, but how you approach others will."

Uki's mind calmed as she started to relax understanding sense of what was being spoken, even smiling tentatively, "Maybe you are right, it's just hard. I feel guilty and if I had not done anything perhaps he could have lived..." she had to choke back her incoming sobbing as she tried to keep control, "I thought if I could find acceptance I could even move on and begin to heal... In my nightmares I see his looks of horror burned into my very mind... Is it possible for me to ever live with the guilt and knowing I did this? I do want another life... But I also want to know can I ever recover from this?"

Her gaze though emotional showed she was truly considering what Antheia said, "But does a person not need a goal to really progress, what could be my new goal? I am so confused. You are truly wiser than me, and I feel like I should understand, but your discipline truly shows."

It was a genuine compliments as she once more gave soft smile, difficult but trying, "You are too kind, and waterbending is beautiful to do... I just don't know what my goal should be? Could it be as simple as learn to control my powers much better? Surely it can't be that simple, right?"

Antheia seemed to regain full confidence. "Your goal is whatever you want it to be. I used to simply seek knowledge, and to an extent I still do now, but I think it's become a bit more complicated now. I'm filled with an express desire to create things, a desire I never used to have. Perhaps creating your own goals can encourage further growth?"

Antheia turned again to face Uki, her hands behind her back. "It's all theory really, and I doubt I'm as wise as you claim. But having a goal usually takes the mind off of the past, and makes it focus on the future."

Antheia turned and walked off the edge of the cliff, legs no longer in a walking motion as her body began floating. She would proceed a short distance out and turn around to look along the cliff side. "No hidden cities right in this area it seems. I know the place you mentioned, Van Leugen, isn't far from here. Though it isn't the kindest place, perhaps that is where you start a new goal? I can take you there if you'd like. The trip will be a breeze."

She returned to the solid surface atop the cliff and landed again.

Listening astrutely the girl nodded as she began to understand what was being said, "Really? It is that simple, I decide my own course... Seems so odd, but there is clarity here and perhaps it is because I lived in a Tribe, a close-tight-knit community thus having selfish goals never occurred to me until now. It seemed wrong, but you are making a lot of sense...." pausing she regarded the view, the waves having calmed almost altogether, "In all honesty, it never occurred to me that I could even have my own personal goals. I just accepted the idea my goals must coincide with the tribe rather than me." as she thought this over, a wide smile broke her lips.

"Oh god, this is amazing. I am free... Free to do what I desire... I could honestly kiss you for what you did. It makes so much sense... and..." as she pondered over this new found clarity, she found herself growing more overjoyed at the whole prospect, "You may doubt your wisdom, but you are more worldly than I, and realized my old way of living was no longer compatible. I never could have worked that out. It was after all ingrained into me." even the weather seemed to be clearing up. Was this how it felt to finally comprehend things? Finally understand one need not be stuck in a prison? Hell to realize they had been in a prison. Of course she had regrets, but maybe the reason this had occurred as traumatic as it was, was an indication she would never fit in with the demands?

Finally she replied, "Okay Antheia lead the way. After what you done, I believe I can call you friend... After all a mere acquaintence would never have helped me with this. I know that for sure." she seemed far more bouyant even little elated, despite her attempts to keep it subdued.

Antheia walked beside Uki and stood still a very short distance away. "Just hold still and close your eyes."

Once Uki closed her eyes, Antheia would raise a hand and snap her fingers. To any outsider, both herself and Uki would seem to leave their bodies entirely as their forms collapsed into the ground, replaced by two tombstones. All that would remain of the two within the Bald Stretch was two swiftly crumbling tombstones of magical origin that would promptly disintegrate in several seconds.

There would be no trace of them once that process finished.

Gaoth Dhubh arrives from the west.

Linus Trucidabunt has arrived, coming from The Luxlands.

Linus Trucidabunt was smoking a cigarette out side at a fuel station. It was off the main highway a bit in the middle of nowhere- not an official rest stop, more an emergency exit. There wasn't even a diner. He flicked out his cigarette, got back in his craft, and went to Gruelle.

Linus Trucidabunt has left the area, heading northeast towards Gruelle.

Carmen Dellevon exits "Gaoth Dhubh".

Finn Harra exits "Gaoth Dhubh".

Finn Harra hopped off the bike at the entrance to the motel. It was a u shaped bit with an interior balcony. Instead of a pool, there was a fruit garden. It must have been enchanted to produce all year round. He pulled off his helmet and stuck it on the handlebars of the hoverbike.

The doors to the motel were automatic, the guy behind the counter homely. He greeted Finn with a smiled and tapped a sign with the rates on it. They were cheap as hell. Finn pulled cash from his pocket and placed it on the counter. The man behind the counter took it with a small bow and put it in an old fashioned register. The thing wasn't even digital.

Then the man leaned over the counter to peer out the window. He spotted Carmen and grinned at Finn, who sheepishly smiled back and wobbled his head. The man fiddled with a key card machine. It chimed on the third attempt, and the man behind the counter looked a little grateful for that. Finn graciously accepted the two cards in the little white card fold.

Room 208.

With a nod, Finn thanked the man and went back out to Carmen.

Finn Harra handed Carmen her key card and grabbed up his helmet. He checked to make sure the box on the back of the bike was locked, turned on his heel, and started off towards the room.d

Carmen Dellevon sighed and followed after Finn to their room. It was upstairs - they chose to not take the elevator - and down on the corner of the u. A no smoking sign was above the door, the numbers 208 in brass on the front of it.

Carmen had taken off her helmet and was waiting for Finn to open the door.

Finn Harra touched his key card to the reader. The door unlocked with a click. Inside there were thankfully two queen sized beds, a large vanity, and a door leading to the bathroom. A minifridge, a small television. Bare bones, quaint. Acceptable.

He flopped down on the bed closest to the door.

Carmen Dellevon closed the door and bolted it behind her, settling in on the bed farthest from the door. She was grateful for safe passage. It wasn't the fastest but she seemed to have cooled her trail.

"Thank you," She said quietly to the younger man.