spark || lin beifong

Chapter I - Introduction Part 1

Her parents were contemplative. Going to Master Katara's compound was one thing, and leaving for Republic City was another.

"I know it's a stretch, and if you need reassurance I won't do anything rash to myself, I currently don't have anything else to give you except a request for you to trust and believe in me."

Early morning the next day, she was seated at a small stool in front of her family's house. It was a quaint and quiet village. Simple and not too complicated. Everyone knows everyone else. She more or less knows a fairly accurate version of a person's life story with a once-over.

Across from her is a small boy, who like her, was seated in front of his family's house. She's known him her whole life but never really interacted with him. She doesn't know him, but he seems to be less introverted and harsh-looking than his older brother. He smiles occasionally at Telepyleia when they pass by one another but that was just about it. She gathers that he's considerate, and caring, and is quite fearful if his father. He's a waterbender who's always scolded by his father because of his less developed skills when compared to his brother.

Still deep in thought about the unnamed boy across from her, she felt another presence next to her and immediately looked to see her mother, eyes no longer bloodshot but were still generally puffy. Telepyleia stands up and initiates a hug which her mother is grateful to accept. While in that position, her mother tells her that they've contacted Master Katara and that she was more than willing to house Telepyleia as a student. She was to leave after she turns 15. After a year under Katara's care, she was to be of age in terms of Watertribe culture, so that would be the opportune time to let Telepyleia pursue her dreams of traveling to Republic City to study.

She only hugged her mother tighter, whispering thank you through genuine tears of gratitude and happiness. This meant the world to her. Aside from her request to train under Katara and to travel for her studies, her parents trusted her and believed in her, and that was more than what she could ask for.

-

The night of her birthday, she was accompanied by her parents to Master Katara's compound, where she was to live at for a year.

Katara treated her like her own daughter. Kya had left a few years ago to travel on her own soul-seeking adventure, so she was happy to take Telepyleia, or as she now prefers to call her, Leia, in her care. Katara knew of Leia's unwavering intellect and understanding of the way things in the universe works. Leia may not have had the raw power of an avatar, but she had the sharpest understanding of the techniques Katara had taught her, making it seem like she was born with the routines ingrained in her mind.

She saw herself in the teen, being determined to learn everything correctly. However, it still surprised Katara every time Leia questioned her and asked for clarifications on each routine, even coming up with a suggestion on how the routine could be better. This was the first time she's had a student focus more on the "why?" rather than the "what?" Katara did her best to satisfy Leia's questions, understanding now why her previous teachers were somewhat annoyed at the pupil. However, she saw the teen's questions and theories as something of great potential.

"Would you ever consider yourself being a teacher, Leia?" Katara asked her one night. They were six months into her training and were seated at a small table where an empty Pai Sho board was engraved on it.

Leia was quick to answer, "I can't say that I haven't thought about it. Although, it never occured to me as something I'd want to do professionally, Miss Katara. I like learning about stuff. I absolutely love knowing new things! I know it'd be useless if I don't share it, but I don't think I could do it in the way you do. Maybe if I could write it on paper, yes, but I don't really see myself as a teacher. I could detail it in words, but I won't be able to demonstrate it as I go. I'd rather learn something alongside my pupil and assist them as we go. I guess the thing I'm getting at here is that I can't teach something I've already learned."