in the shadow

ru / 26 / meditative curiosity

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“Eh,” she neither agreed nor disagreed, mirroring his shrug to let the notion pass. “It’s not?” she snorted, not unkindly. “You speak for the Universe then? I didn’t know I was in the present of such greatness.” Sora dropped into a comically low bow. The tips of her black hair brushed the ground before she flashed a smile, a wink, and straightened her back. “What else does the Universe have to say to me?”

Ru considered the idea that maybe he was in touch with the Universe. He wasn’t cocky enough to assume so, but the idea did interest him. “The Universe would probably tell you to watch out for the next person you almost run over, just as a safety precaution.”

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“I’m no vet, but I don’t think that’s how rabies works, bud.” Sora couldn’t help but smile. Stupid, she decided. Definitely stupid. It was for the best, she preferred that in the company she kept. “Anyway, I owe you for the near-death thing. I’m scant on money, but surely I can give you something to even out the universal odds or whatever.” 

“Maybe, but most things are at least worth trying to save.” Shrugging, Ru hastily tried to wave off the attempt at paying him back. “I’m not really the sort to even say that odds need to be evened out. The universe isn’t mad at you.”

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“Not even with the rabid beardog? Really?” Sora’s eyebrows raised high, her forehead creasing. “Huh,” she considered him. “Alright. Yeah, you’re alright. Bit of nerve—or maybe just stupid—either way I dig it.” 

“I mean, even if it was rabid, it might not be beyond saving just yet, and maybe there’s something I could do for it.” Ru knew his way of thinking wasn’t exactly what most people had in mind. He was selfless to a detriment. 

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“Unless whoever you’re talking to misinterprets yes for no and vice verse. You could end up agreeing to just about anything that way. Like giving away your shoes even though you have a mile left to walk home. Or giving a ride to an unbecoming hitchhiker, his rabid beardog, and three gallons of his favorite ale.”

“I still don’t see a downside to that.”

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“Could you? Bold of you to assume anyone you’d want to talk to knows Morse code.”

“I could form a simple yes and no system to make it easier. One blink yes, two blinks no.”

[farawayfromru]

oflumincsity‌:

“Huo, come back here!” A frustrated voice called, aimed at the messenger hawk flying above. The woman had just been organizing her files that were in her desk, until the avian let out a screech and flew out of the building. Now here she was, trying to get it to calm down before they get into any trouble. Zhina noticed the rhythm of its wing flaps slowing, eventually disappearing from the sky, though turning a sharp corner before doing so. Following its steps, she dodged passersby, suddenly skidding to a stop - and almost tripping over her feet in doing so - when she noticed the messenger hawk had peacefully landed itself on top of an unknown individual’s head.

“P-pardon me, but my hawk seems to be… oh nevermind,” She started, before taking out a few treats out from the shoulder pack she had, “I apologize if you’re in a hurry, but may I ask how good you are at standing still?” The area was secluded enough, so that does save some embarrassment from both Zhina and the person, but she did speak sooner than expected, having found the trouble she was avoiding in the first place.

Animals always held a special place of importance in Ru’s world. Growing up, he had been the one in charge of maintaining the farm animals. They were gentle, and innocent, and they provided balance to the world. In the city, animals seemed to come in fewer verities, so the appearance of a hawk on his head didn’t do anything expect make him smile calmly.

Nothing would hurt him, so long as he meant it no harm.

Ru, with the hawk clutching firmly onto his scalp, shrugged in reply. “I suspect meditating helps.”

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“Sure can be. And that color isn’t helping.” Sora gestured towards his clothes. “You could go for a reflective vest next time. Or keep a few pet glowflies.” She looked him up and down, nodding. “Yeah, glowflies should do it. Or I could just be more careful, but… well, we’ll just say that I’ve tried that before and obviously it hasn’t worked. I don’t know anything about you or how responsible you might be, but I’d still put money on it being more likely you’d stick with it than I would.” 

He looked down, appraising his black coat. She did have a point, however ridiculous it was in the circumstance. In fact, Ru hadn’t realized when his wardrobe had changed. The clothes he used to wear were all hand-sewn, their colors light and welcoming. Not quite the ideal outfit for someone simply trying to get through a days work.

“How about I just mount a light to my head, I’m sure I could also use it as a form of communication.”

[farawayfromru]

notsorrysora‌:

“Yes, no, okay, I might have been going a bit fast. There was no one around though. Well, I mean, you were of course. But I didn’t see you. Well, that’s a bad example. Point is, I’ve got great reflexes, and I did stop in time, didn’t I? You’re all in one piece, see.” Sora patted the seat of her motorbike lovingly, giving an animated sigh. 

Ru had watched the whole scene play out in front of him, and like with most things, he took it in stride. The city was an easy place for accidents to happen, and while many people faltered in the chaos, Ru had managed to find a sense of peace. 

“I can be easy to miss,” Ru replied simply, a small smile on his sharp face. Most would claim him to be intimidating, even scary. The truth was, he just didn’t have much to say, and a lack of words often made people uncomfortable.

[farawayfromru]

hey guys, it’s me again (alyssa)

ru is a 26 years old earth bender who grew up in the shadow of the eastern air temple. his earth nation family followed air nomad traditions for much of their lives, trying to live as simply as possible, and respecting the world around them. they were farmers, and his parents had ru later in their lives, so they died a year ago. once they died, ru sold the farm, moved to republic city, and he has been working as a laborer building buildings and infrastructure. he is a formidable looking force, and while he is an expert earth bender (and slowly learning to bend metal), he’s the kindest person you’ll meet. he doesn’t talk much, but he has the biggest heart imaginable. every morning is started with an hour of meditation, and then he’s ready for the day.

[antigonick]

Let us not desert one another; we are an injured body.

Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey (via antigonick)