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[markofthebrave]

Hi, everybody. I know it's been a while since I've spoken to all of you this way, but I've been thinking about everything that's going on and... I understand why everyone has focused on their weaknesses. I know - and I appreciate - what everyone has been saying.

But as important as it is that we identify our weaknesses, it's also important to understand that we are not just comprised of weaknesses - it is the strength of our hearts that makes us who we are. We need to know what our weaknesses are in order to surpass them, but we shouldn't so focus on what makes us weak that we forget the rest of who it is that we are. I remember when the moon turned to blood, and the worst parts of our histories haunted us, following us with sounds and images...

We endured that. We are still here. We are still alive.

I don't know how they're going to target our weaknesses - but in battle, any weakness is always targeted. Let's take steps to address them, but after that, let's remember our strengths. Let's remember what we've been through. Let's remember who we are, who and what is important to us.

[It is the strength of our hearts that makes us who we are. She'd set that before. And it hadn't made a bit of difference - not until someone stood up. And not until someone who loved him stood up for him...]

And let's remember that we don't always have to be the one who is strong. We have friends and family to support us - we are not alone. Even if we have to face whatever is coming individually - we are not alone. I am so grateful to everyone here who has proved that to me.

If you'd like, you can use the space to share stories of times when you've overcome something you thought would defeat you - or times when a friend has had your back. Let's remember who we are.

[And yes, she realizes after the fact that she's focused on 'remember who we are' a number of times, but... there's a chance that, going back, now they can. In her years in Luceti, Katara has really come to value the power of memories, and just how much they form who it is that she is. She's sobered and humbled by the thought of being able to return home as she is. And... well.. other things have got her mind spinning as well.

Action:
And, in a contemplative mood, it would not be hard to find Katara in the tea shop, sampling different flavors.

Or perhaps later, doing a contemplative kata with her waterbending.]

Comments

[generalflirt]

[ ... Huh. Stories of when people helped them out or had their back. He wonders if he's managed to really do that for anyone other than perhaps Shikamaru. Either way, he knows he's got two he really ought to to tell.

... and of course it's Katara who ventures this. Let's remember who we are. Who is Masaomi Kida? ]

You know I'e got two different stories where I probably should have died and I got saved. I only really remember the one though.

[markofthebrave]

[Oh, Masaomi.

Katara's a little surprised to hear him referring to such a personal thing, but... it's not a discordant surprise. She's glad he's thinking of it. Focusing on a weakness is no way to overcome it.]

You do? Which one is that?

[Because he also wouldn't be bringing it up if he didn't want to talk about it.]

[generalflirt]

[ The second time is of course when Law and her fixed up his shoulder. There's no way he's ignorant enough to think that he could have survived that one without them... at least not as he is now. Oh sure, there was a lot of things going on during that thing in Zompania too, where Gold saved him from the Dream Shifter or back in Vaskoth were everyone was within a few hours of demise until that cure was founded. But those are both close, almost impersonal memories. Those barely feel real. It's the other, older ones which stand out to him as memories of heroism. ]

It's a pretty old story... back when we were deployed into the jungle and so many things went wrong for so many of us. Naturally, I'm not exception to that, and despite my lack of skill at the time, I'd ended up more or less alone. Which, as it would be, was a really terrible situation for an unskilled would-be warrior to be in.

[ This sounds like a weakness chat right now, but it's not the point. He's more debating how much of this is his story to tell ]

[markofthebrave]

[...ah, the jungle. Well.]

It wouldn't really be a good situation for anybody.

[generalflirt]

Probably not. We lost it, after all - though, I guess there's some glory to be found in that too! After all, there's the people who pulled out our small victories. Like this woman in the story here!

[video]

[theideaguy]

One time, I thought I would never see the end of a barrage of snowballs that my sister was throwing at me. But eventually my witty personality made her storm off in anger instead of her deciding I was worth the trouble of another snowball.

[Victory achieved!]

[video]

[markofthebrave]

Ha, ha.

[video]

[theideaguy]

Hey, you asked, sis.

[lostinmyway]

[Grune listens to her speech carefully. At the end, her smile is full and loving.]

What a wonderful idea. I hope everyone can share lots of stories.

Do you have one?

[markofthebrave]

[A small smile.]

I have many. I've been thinking a lot about them lately.

[lostinmyway]

Which one is your favourite?

[Video]

[savedtheworld]

[Some of the words are familiar, and Aang's smile is warm and nostalgic. The sky is the background as he speaks into the journal, riding on Appa's back. ...oh and he's still bearding it up.]

...You know, Katara... The fact that you can still say things like that, after how long you've been here....

I think that speaks a lot about your strength. And your strength to help others find strength. [Then his smile goes meeker.] Lots of strength all around!

Action Tea Shop!

[tea_lover64]

[Iroh pours quietly for Katara. Things had certainly been much more to his liking recently, peaceful and serene]

voice.

[notabluesbro]

Listen to that. You're quite the public speaker.

[Wolfwood's voice clearly is accompanied by a smile. Can practically hear it.]

It's good to be alive.