markofthebrave | [ Voice, Action ] .017

[It's the second day of a heatwave, and it's amazing how little things like weather can drive man-eating butterflies, flying trees of burning pointy doom, and missing friends from a Southern Watertibe girl's mind. ...OK, maybe not that last one, but she's feeling this heat in her bones, man, and it's driven her to put on her Fire Nation outfit and just lounge around, trying not to think about the horrible things she's seen week... which of course makes her think about the horrible things she's seen everywhere.

But the best way to get rid of bad memories is to think about good ones... and when that fails, make them.

And so, Katara Has An Idea. She grabs her brother, he agrees, and they make their way to the center of the square and set up a table. It's laden with fruits and sugars and stacks of glasses.

A little bit of waterbending later? And that fountain is now completely iced over, meant to resemble one of their 'Great Wonders of the World', an ice oasis in the middle of the desert.

When they're all set up, Katara makes a voice entry.]

Hey, everyone! Come on to the fountain for free fruit slushies!

[Feel free to come upon them on any part of the process, stop by for a slushie, or take a look at the pretty ice-fountain! Either Sokka, Katara or (eventually, as I have to run out right now) both will answer!]

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[...oh.] I'm sorry.

[A wry chuckle.]

Why are you apologizing? It's hardly your fault.

[She laughs a little.] I know - but I also know what it's like not to be strong enough yet. To be able to protect the people you care about. I thought I was getting there, but in this place... [She shakes her head.]

There might only be so much we can do, but that doesn't mean we stop trying. So don't give up, Richard. Sometimes, even when it doesn't seem like anything can change what's happened... something does.

Thank you, Katara. As strange as it sounds, this place may be the best chance I have of becoming stronger. I'm not going to waste the opportunity I've been given here, not when there are people depending on me back in my world. I'll fight to protect them as well.

[...she... tactfully decides not to mention that people don't remember what happened here when they go home. Today is a day for slushies and fun.]

Well. I hope it works out for you that way.

Did you want a slushie?

As do I.

[Fortunately, slushies provide enough of a distraction for him at the moment, so he'll be examining the fruit she has available.]

I would, thank you... could you make a strawberry one?

Sure! [And assuming Sokka went off somewhere, Katara gets out a knife and puts the mixture of strawberries, sugar, and ice in the blender. A few moments later, they're all set. She pours him the glass and hands it to him.]

There you go.

[Richard accepts the glass with a smile and takes a sip.]

Thank you, Katara, for the slushie and for the support. I truly appreciate your kindness.

[ Voice, Action ] .017

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