[kolausbeach]

Just a friendly visit

ooc; for Gaia and Kolau only!

It had been several weeks since the Lokahi festival, and Kolau had just been faced with a problem: one of his tribe members discovered that they had accidentally picked up Gaia's necklace in a cleanup session, and didn't realize it til afterwards. He wanted to return the necklace, but didn't want his tribe to be accused of stealing. As he turned the golden medallion necklace over and over in his hands, his conscience battled it out internally. With a sigh, he got up, and knew that the necklace had to be returned. He just hoped the truth would be enough.

As Kolau readied himself for the trip that night, he took care not to tell the other Tribe members where he was going. If too many people went, it could look aggressive to the adversary tribe. If he just went, he was sure that it wouldn't look that bad. He didn't think that he'd need to fight anyone; everything was rather peaceful after the lokahi festival, and if he picked a safe enough path, he could avoid coming into too close of contact with other neighboring tribes. Surely they'd respect a chief that brings no ill harm to others?

Checking the island maps, he planned to go far inland, then take a river that had a very strong and swift current. If luck was on his side, he could make it to the Dark tribe by late afternoon, early evening. Checking his supplies, which consisted of basic travelling goods along with a few tools in case he found himself in a bind, he settled down for the night.

Kolau woke up at the early crack of dawn the next morning. Excited for his quick trip across the island, he got out of bed and quietly made his way along the dock, taking extra care to not disturb anyone else. The last thing he needed was someone asking where he was going. If he was fast enough, he could be back by tomorrow, early in the morning. His tribe was strong, and could support itself for just one day.

The jungle grew more and more dense as he went further inland. He took care to watch where he was stepping, and although he was not the best at land travel, he made decent enough time, and reached the river around the time his tribe would be finishing breakfast. Pulling a canoe to the river's base, he quickly launched the boat into the water, and was off. The river itself wound close to some of the Ghost tribe's travelling members, but it was early, and he was sure that he wouldn't bother anything.

The river ride itself passed by quickly. After the few beginning twists and turns, it was a straight shot to the Dark tribe. By this time, it was afternoon. He ate a small meal of dried berries with fish, and studied the necklace to pass the time. He found himself dozing in the heat of the day, lulled by the steady rocking of the river and the warmth of the air. He took care not to slip off into slumber; he could miss his destination if he slept right on by it.

By late afternoon, as he predicted, he was drawing close to his destination. He felt awakened by the prospect of seeing the Dark tribe. He had slipped the necklace into a rather nice pouch, for better presentation, and docked his canoe closer to shore. He would have to go on foot from here. 

Taking careful steps, he made his way through the dense vegetation. Signs of civilization came into view, and he hesitated. He knew better than to go crashing straight through the middle of their housing area. He slowed down quite a bit, alert for anyone as he passed another paper lantern.

[kolausbeach]

Searching for answers

ooc;; for Cordelia and Kolau only

-

As Kolau walked away from the Electric chief, he was thoroughly confused. Why, out of all the generations of performances, did his symbol have to turn up a solid color? Glancing around, he saw other confused chiefs, and knew he wasn’t alone. “Why all of a sudden?" he thought to himself as he turned the rod this way and that, looking at the symbol in all different directions. He held it above his head, truly trying to find every angle to observe the symbol.

As he held the rod above his head, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Cordelia. He snapped his head towards her. What luck! She was present! He jogged over. “Hey!" He called out, as he approached. He grinned at his good luck.

"Sorry to bother you," he said, scratching behind his head. “But, Uila advised me to seek you out." He held the glass rod up. “I believe," he told her. “That I may have something of interest." 

[cordeliasnotes]

Looking left and right, Cordelia gazed at the crowd of people behind her. “No sign, guess it’s safe to stay." Brushing her skirt, her hands passed by her notebook and pen. Pulling them out, she pulled over a stump that was fashioned into a chair and sat. “So, would you like to tell me more about the rod you have?" With legs crossed her eyes peered out from her light purple bangs in a messy fashion, with a glimmer of curiosity, her pen eager to glide across the page.

[kolausbeach]

Kolau brought a similar stump close to him, and sat apart from the librarian. He fidgeted a bit, his fingers tracing the spiral outline once more and his eyes not meeting her gaze for a moment. He took a deep breath, and then met her gaze. 

"Well," Kolau began, pausing a bit to gather his thoughts. "First off, it's a colored symbol," he started. "And apparently that's never happened before." His brow furrowed as he turned the rod around, his eyes tracing along the length of the spiral. "It's a dark blue in color, sort of similar to the color of a blue hibiscus!" He held it out for her to see for herself. "The design itself is a spiral, with its center offset, and arrows along the border of the spiral," he told her. "And, as for choosing it, well... it seemed to call me. I didn't have much input." He laughed a bit. "Crazy, right? I have no explanation for the color or design, but, perhaps you do?" he looked up from the rod hopefully.

[kolausbeach]

Searching for answers

ooc;; for Cordelia and Kolau only

-

As Kolau walked away from the Electric chief, he was thoroughly confused. Why, out of all the generations of performances, did his symbol have to turn up a solid color? Glancing around, he saw other confused chiefs, and knew he wasn't alone. "Why all of a sudden?" he thought to himself as he turned the rod this way and that, looking at the symbol in all different directions. He held it above his head, truly trying to find every angle to observe the symbol.

As he held the rod above his head, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Cordelia. He snapped his head towards her. What luck! She was present! He jogged over. "Hey!" He called out, as he approached. He grinned at his good luck.

"Sorry to bother you," he said, scratching behind his head. "But, Uila advised me to seek you out." He held the glass rod up. "I believe," he told her. "That I may have something of interest." 

[o-o-uila]

Electric Tribe Chief Performance

[kolausbeach]

Kolau was completely taken aback. He took a step away from the chief from the sudden wave of disbelief and surprise that Uila suddenly felt. He dumbly looked at the symbol, not knowing what to say. 

"Did… did I do something wrong?" he asked, never seeing the chief so upset, at such a vibrant festival no less! He caught what the chief said, and asked gently, “Do you wonder, what?" He quickly shot up his arms in a passive display. “It could’ve been me, perhaps I didn’t choose in the right manner," he offered as an explanation. Inside, he felt turmoil over the discovery. If there was a fluke with his symbol, did all that he believe only turn out to be a lie? He held the glass tube away from him; he had no explanation for it. “I… just chose what felt right," he muttered to himself.

[o-o-uila]

Uila shook his head almost violently and took a deep breath. “Never child!" He tried to smile reassuringly.

"The symbol is correct, there is no right way to choose, the rods in fact choose the chief. I am sorry for my reaction. But with your’s being the first symbol to have color I have to wonder if the other symbols from my dance with the spirits have color as well, and what that portends for me…"

He sighed, “Perhaps since I don’t get a rod this is as much a message for me as it is for the other chiefs, if indeed the rest are colored." He straightened his shoulders. “You should seek out Cordelia. As the librarian for the Ghost Tribe, she might have more insight into the meaning of the color or even the symbol itself."

He paused as if listening to another voice, “In fact, I’d like to speak to her as well. But I will have to wait… Perhaps she is here in the bay. Speed of the spirits Kolau, and gods bless."

[kolausbeach]

Kolau took in the information and digested it for a bit. So, the symbol wasn't a fluke for him-it had chosen him. He turned his head towards the other chiefs. Perhaps they had gotten colored ones as well? He hoped so; he didn't want to be the lone chief to receive a colored symbol. 

He was so lost in his thoughts, he hadn't notice that he had been dismissed. He blinked, and regained his composure. "Thank you!" he blurted out, bowing his head in respect. "Thank you," he repeated again, much more slowly this time. "for this wonderful performance, and for the advice. I will have to set time to visit the library. Who knows? Perhaps the answer lies there." He smiled back at the uneasy chief, trying to ease the tension. "I look forward to the Electric tribe's performance next year, and God bless." With that, he walked away, turning the rod in his hands. He furrowed his brow. Such trouble over a color! He made a mental note to find Cordelia; the librarian may know the answer, or, at least, a direction to point him in.

[o-o-uila]

Electric Tribe Chief Performance

[kolausbeach]

"I see," Kolau replied, bringing the glass rod up to his face. “At first," he explained. “When I approached the rod, it felt like it was calling me. And, when I saw the symbol, a sense of… how do I put it…" he trailed off a moment, searching for the right word. “It was a sense of familiarity. As if I knew the symbol and the symbol knew me. If that makes sense?" he glanced up at the electric tribe chief. “It wasn’t a negative feeling in the least," he added on.

He turned the rod around, to get a better view of the symbol itself. “The symbol itself is rather simple in design," he told the chief. “It’s a spiral, with its center a bit offset, originating out from a point. Along the edge of the spiral are arrows pointing outwards. The whole spiral itself is a solid dark blue." He grinned a bit. “And as for the meaning, it spoke to me as a good omen for my tribe. I see it as prosperity in the future."

Kolau didn’t want to share the more personal side to it; that much he would keep to himself. But, he didn’t mind expressing the good fortune of his tribe. He was proud of his tribe, and didn’t mind expressing it-short of bragging, of course.

[o-o-uila]

Uila listened, nodding his head, it was all as Sherlai had said. He pictured the symbol in his head as Kolau described it, Spiral, offset, blue. BLUE?

"Blue?" he spat out as his eyes popped open. He composed himself quickly, trying not to let the electricity that was bouncing around inside him show in his face.

"Kolau," Uila took a deep breath. “Never. Never can I recall a moment in the history of our tribe when the Spirit Dance yielded colored glass symbols. Lightning and sand can only create clear glass. Colored glass found on the island has been re-blown by members of our tribe and others with additives…"

Uila felt his toes curling and uncurling repetitively at the end of his feet as if they were somehow beyond his control.

"Wonder…" he muttered glancing at the other rods, thinking too late that he might be speaking aloud or that Kolau could hear him.

[kolausbeach]

Kolau was completely taken aback. He took a step away from the chief from the sudden wave of disbelief and surprise that Uila suddenly felt. He dumbly looked at the symbol, not knowing what to say. 

"Did... did I do something wrong?" he asked, never seeing the chief so upset, at such a vibrant festival no less! He caught what the chief said, and asked gently, "Do you wonder, what?" He quickly shot up his arms in a passive display. "It could've been me, perhaps I didn't choose in the right manner," he offered as an explanation. Inside, he felt turmoil over the discovery. If there was a fluke with his symbol, did all that he believe only turn out to be a lie? He held the glass tube away from him; he had no explanation for it. "I... just chose what felt right," he muttered to himself.

[o-o-uila]

Electric Tribe Chief Performance

[kolausbeach]

At first, Kolau had been completely taken by the performance. He smiled in awe; Uila put his very soul into this performance! It was probably one of the best Electric tribe performances he had seen in a while-and interactive too!

                Kolau felt chills as the spirits entered the chieftain’s dance. His blue eyes were wide as he drank the scene in, taking in the glass rods and the chief’s words. He couldn’t help but wait to find what symbol would match him; the whole idea of a symbol matched perfectly to him intrigued him. He dare not spring up immediately like a child; he knew some of the other chiefs present would look down upon such show of immaturity. He took a deep breath, allowing the whole moment to wash over him, and calm him. He felt as if the spirits were beckoning him to breathe, and to meditate.

                And meditate he did. He thought of his tribe, of his home, of the splendid festival that had been going on all week. Silently, he thanked the spirits present for the wonder of it all. He also prayed for guidance, so that he may best lead his tribe on the best path.

                After twenty or so minutes, Kolau glanced around. None of the other chiefs had moved quite yet. Kolau couldn’t help it; he felt compelled to move and discover the rod meant for him. Getting up quickly but quietly, so as to not disturb the others in their wonder, he slowly began to walk along the circle of rods. He walked slowly, listening, holding his hand out a little, feeling for which one felt right to him. He passed the first several rods with no real connection; as he passed two more, he felt drawn to one a bit more down the circumference. He halted, nearing the glass rod. It had been two off from being directly apart from his original position. He held his hand there for a bit more, and knew he had made the right decision. He gingerly reached out, excited but respectful, and carefully picked up his rod.

                Kolau’s eyebrows raised at the symbol before him. It was most peculiar. It looked somewhat like a spiral, but offset, with different lines varying in thickness. Along the outside of the spiral were what looked like small arrows that jutted out, each pointing away from the center of the spiral. It was all in a solid color. Kolau pondered the meaning of the spiral-perhaps he had read somewhere from his studies of being a chief-but nothing came to mind. He traced the outline of the spiral with his finger. “What an interesting design,” he thought to himself. He pondered what the symbol meant to him: was it an omen? A reflection of his very being? Or, perhaps, it reflected his tribe in some way? Turning the glass rod this way and that to take in the symbol from different angles, he decided that it was a good omen for his tribe, as well as himself. The spiral continued on, forever growing in size and prosperity, with the arrows accenting the growth. Like the Tangata tribe, he too would grow as an individual, and together, he and the tribe would prosper. Satisfied with the meaning, he turned to tell Ulai of the revelation.

                He approached the chief slowly, and stood before him. He bowed out of respect, before saying, “I quite enjoyed your performance tonight.” He allowed himself a smile. “It was most impressive, and by far one of the best I’ve seen from the electric tribe. I know that the spirits were pleased as well; they danced right along with you in pure joy.”Kolau gestured to his glass rod. “If you don’t mind, I would like to share with you my thoughts of my symbol.” He held out the rod, so that the fellow chief could see and record the symbol that he received.

[o-o-uila]

Uila stood still on the platform waiting for the remnants of the dance with the spirits to clear his eyes. Finally someone approached him and the rods. As they came closer he was able to see around the flashing of the lights in his eyes that it was Kolau of the water tribe. He bowed his head in respect for the tribe leader, watching him come closer from underneath his eyebrow ridge. 

As Kolau walked the circumference of the rod circle he turned his head slightly to watch him find his rod, and commune with it for a moment before he approached Uila.

"Thank you Kolau, it felt impressive to me, though most of the work was done by the spirits." He smiled. “Joyous indeed."

Uila took in the visage of the glass rod, though the symbol itself was obscured to him. “Kolau, The spirits cloud my vision in respect to the symbols of the other chiefs, I cannot see yours, but I would enjoy hearing a description of it, and any feelings the symbol gave you when you laid your eyes on it…" 

[kolausbeach]

"I see," Kolau replied, bringing the glass rod up to his face. "At first," he explained. "When I approached the rod, it felt like it was calling me. And, when I saw the symbol, a sense of... how do I put it..." he trailed off a moment, searching for the right word. "It was a sense of familiarity. As if I knew the symbol and the symbol knew me. If that makes sense?" he glanced up at the electric tribe chief. "It wasn't a negative feeling in the least," he added on.

He turned the rod around, to get a better view of the symbol itself. "The symbol itself is rather simple in design," he told the chief. "It's a spiral, with its center a bit offset, originating out from a point. Along the edge of the spiral are arrows pointing outwards. The whole spiral itself is a solid dark blue." He grinned a bit. "And as for the meaning, it spoke to me as a good omen for my tribe. I see it as prosperity in the future."

Kolau didn't want to share the more personal side to it; that much he would keep to himself. But, he didn't mind expressing the good fortune of his tribe. He was proud of his tribe, and didn't mind expressing it-short of bragging, of course.

[o-o-uila]

Electric Tribe Chief Performance

Uila stood on a wooden platform laid out on the sand. He looked at the gathering of tribes, bowing to each of the other chieftains before closing his eyes.

He took a deep breath, listening to the sky and waited for the breeze to pick up. It swept in slowly picking up his cape and ruffling through his hair. Through his eyelids he watched the sky darken as a cloud scooted in over him and the rest of the beach.

He opened his eyes as the air stilled around him, and the cloud darkened everything to a state almost pitch black. He heard a few gasps in the crowd, a few parents calm skittish children.

"Do not be alarmed, the darkness is part of the show." He felt like his voice was coming from within his chest, from a place he wasn’t in control of. He let it take over, the calmness of his mind spreading throughout his body.

He looked up and saw the electricity begin to dance along the underside of the cloud and smiled.

"Let it begin."

Lightning arced from the sky, making a brief contact right behind Uila, silhouetting his form for just a moment. The crowd could see him standing with his heels tight together, and his elbows out, presumably with his palms touching in front of his chest.

As the light faded, and before anyone’s eyes could adjust to the darkness again more lightning shot down from the sky. Uila’s body moved, his right foot playing a short game of hacky-sack with an arc of light. The rest of the performance was part martial arts, part a dance with the energy.

He clapped twice, stomping the ground in tandem with two strikes on the board. Smiling at the display and inhaling the energy of the spirits of the previous chieftain’s joining him on the stage. He slowly felt his senses coming back, he wasn’t lost in the dance any longer and he was ready for what would come. 

He closed his eyes again, seventeen final bolts of energy struck the sand around the wooden platform. The light dazzled his eyes even through his eyelids and he smiled, thanking the spirits as they departed, the World Storm off to do as it would.

The sky cleared and he knew that for a few moments anyone who blinked would get a fresh show of dancing lights. He looked at the points around his platform that the lightning had struck the sand. Seventeen glass rods about a foot long stood anchored in the grains.

"The spirits of the Hekiki Ao Chieftain’s and Elders before me have provided a rod for each of the current Chief’s of each tribe besides our own." He walked the outer edge of the circle of small pillars. “Each rod is topped with a symbol that is spiritually connected to each of you. I would recommend a wait of 20 minutes before you claim your rod, to allow them to cool, They are currently hot to the touch.

"But please, each of the Chiefs, come. Look. Allow the spirits to calm you and find the rod and symbol that speaks to you. Then, seek me out, because I would love to record your symbol and what it means to you - if you feel it is something you can share."

He took his place back on the wooden platform and waited for the chiefs of the other tribes to approach. Sherlai had spoken of the looks of wonder and sadness and joy and the rest of the gamut of emotions that crossed the faces of the chieftains as they had claimed their rods in the past, he wanted to see for himself.

[kolausbeach]

At first, Kolau had been completely taken by the performance. He smiled in awe; Uila put his very soul into this performance! It was probably one of the best Electric tribe performances he had seen in a while-and interactive too!

                Kolau felt chills as the spirits entered the chieftain’s dance. His blue eyes were wide as he drank the scene in, taking in the glass rods and the chief’s words. He couldn’t help but wait to find what symbol would match him; the whole idea of a symbol matched perfectly to him intrigued him. He dare not spring up immediately like a child; he knew some of the other chiefs present would look down upon such show of immaturity. He took a deep breath, allowing the whole moment to wash over him, and calm him. He felt as if the spirits were beckoning him to breathe, and to meditate.

                And meditate he did. He thought of his tribe, of his home, of the splendid festival that had been going on all week. Silently, he thanked the spirits present for the wonder of it all. He also prayed for guidance, so that he may best lead his tribe on the best path.

                After twenty or so minutes, Kolau glanced around. None of the other chiefs had moved quite yet. Kolau couldn’t help it; he felt compelled to move and discover the rod meant for him. Getting up quickly but quietly, so as to not disturb the others in their wonder, he slowly began to walk along the circle of rods. He walked slowly, listening, holding his hand out a little, feeling for which one felt right to him. He passed the first several rods with no real connection; as he passed two more, he felt drawn to one a bit more down the circumference. He halted, nearing the glass rod. It had been two off from being directly apart from his original position. He held his hand there for a bit more, and knew he had made the right decision. He gingerly reached out, excited but respectful, and carefully picked up his rod.

                Kolau’s eyebrows raised at the symbol before him. It was most peculiar. It looked somewhat like a spiral, but offset, with different lines varying in thickness. Along the outside of the spiral were what looked like small arrows that jutted out, each pointing away from the center of the spiral. It was all in a solid color. Kolau pondered the meaning of the spiral-perhaps he had read somewhere from his studies of being a chief-but nothing came to mind. He traced the outline of the spiral with his finger. “What an interesting design,” he thought to himself. He pondered what the symbol meant to him: was it an omen? A reflection of his very being? Or, perhaps, it reflected his tribe in some way? Turning the glass rod this way and that to take in the symbol from different angles, he decided that it was a good omen for his tribe, as well as himself. The spiral continued on, forever growing in size and prosperity, with the arrows accenting the growth. Like the Tangata tribe, he too would grow as an individual, and together, he and the tribe would prosper. Satisfied with the meaning, he turned to tell Ulai of the revelation.

                He approached the chief slowly, and stood before him. He bowed out of respect, before saying, “I quite enjoyed your performance tonight.” He allowed himself a smile. “It was most impressive, and by far one of the best I’ve seen from the electric tribe. I know that the spirits were pleased as well; they danced right along with you in pure joy.”Kolau gestured to his glass rod. “If you don’t mind, I would like to share with you my thoughts of my symbol.” He held out the rod, so that the fellow chief could see and record the symbol that he received.

[kolausbeach]

Kolau's profile

Pokemon and National Dex number: Magikarp, 129

Moves (up to 4): Hydro Pump, Bounce, Tackle, Flail

Name: Kolau

Gender: Male

Age:  20

Tribe: Water

Short description of personality:

Kolau is an optimistic, hardworking, animated person best known for his ability to find at least one good aspect in any sort of situation thrown at him. He prefers living simply, as shown in his fashion choices. He also loves making new friends, and is very open to talking to strangers. He’s also quick to trust, which can lead to bad situations for him and others.

Kolau tries his best to make sure everyone is happy in a situation, even if it means he’s a little stepped on. He’s willing to make personal sacrifices to make another happy. Although he’s aware that sometimes he gets taken advantage of, he smiles through it anyways, not wanting to start a conflict.

A strong believer in diplomat over violence, Kolau believes that anything can be talked out, and thinks of war and violence as a last resort, and even then out of defense, not offense. This stems from his own inability to perform well in battle; he’s adapted from it and has found other ways to deal with conflict.