#devilofthecresentisle

@devilofthecresentisle asked: The performer spoke briefly with the musicians seated outside her little circle, her rucksack tucked behind where they were sitting. It was dark enough that people had already started to gather to see what was doing on in the circle lit by low flames. She smiled at the little crowd, giving a nod to the musicians, who began to play.

The poi she was holding--she began to rock them, making small arcs then full circles. Mid circle the second time around, she used her bending to send fire down the wicks to the poi’s main body, snuffing the ambient light at the edge of the circle. The left flared a bright pink and violet while the right was a brilliant mix of blue and green. The colorful flames chased each other in circles, wide arcs and figure eights around her body, she even extended the ties above the watching audience’s heads to give off puffs of the colors into the air before pulling them back in to skim the ground, causing multicolored sparks, the light reflecting off her white clothes and jewelry as she went into a backbend, the poi twirling rapidly in a wheel above her chest then flaring out to a full circle.

She held that pose for several long moments before the music stopped and she bowed with a grin, walking to dunk the still burning poi into a bucket of water.

Zuko lingered at the edge of the crowd, the hood of his cloak casting just enough shadow over his face to keep curious eyes from recognizing him. It wasn’t unusual for people to gather like this in the market square, but the colorful spectacle had caught people's attention. He’d seen firebending used in a thousand ways but never like this. The flame wasn’t dragonfire; he could tell instantly.

As the pinks and violets bloomed in the air, washing over the crowd’s awed faces, Zuko found himself unconsciously shifting closer, studying her movements with a craftsman’s curiosity. How was she changing the flame’s hue like that? Mineral powder? Some kind of chemical additive?

When she bent back, the poi spinning above her chest in a perfect wheel of color, he exhaled in a low whistle that was lost to the sound of the crowd. As the final note faded and she bowed, he felt the faintest smile touch his lips. He adjusted the hood slightly, staying hidden as the applause swelled. Part of him wanted to walk away before anyone noticed the stranger lingering too long, but the student in him refused to leave without knowing how she’d done it.

He waited until she dunked the poi in water and the colors hissed and died, before stepping just a little closer through the dispersing crowd. His voice was quiet, careful not to draw attention, but edged with unmistakable curiosity.

Silence follows in the wake of her unexpected answer, except for the audible gasp that comes from the corner where his Royal Advisor observes the proceedings. Kuzco pauses mid-step on his way down the line, his finger still held out in front of him as he questions whether or not he imagined the display of defiance.

He turns a disbelieving scowl on her, closing the distance between them with a few quick steps and stopping just inches short of stepping on her feet. " Eh heh-- you left off the ' your majesty ' part. " Lips curl at the edges then, visage changing completely as he adopts a meaner, more patronizing tone. " -- and you should apologize. For wearing THAT, " An extended finger wiggles, gesturing towards her supposed ' dress ' "-- and for not knowing your place; " Only speak when spoken to. It may have been a question, but it wasn't one he cared about her answering.

❝ Remember that night off the coast of... was it Arashi Island? You drank half the tavern under the table and challenged a Sea King to a shouting match. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed that hard. Feels like the world’s gotten heavier since those days. That’s why seeing you again… it’s like finding a piece of shore in the middle of a storm. How've you been, Martha? And your crew? ❞

   The Polar Tang breaks the surface of the water, rising into a sheltered cove that is set into the island's southern cliffs. It is small, barely wide enough to fit the bulk of the submarine, but deep enough that the Tang can submerge if need be. It also helps that there is a good path through the reefs to get to this cove. It'll give Law and his crew a reason to go back to those pristine reefs. There were so many interesting fish species to study. Vibrant little creatures Law could watch for hours and feel some measure of peace. A beauty in those depths he can get nowhere.

   Plus, there is the fact that this small island seems relatively safe. No signs of people when they approached and the jungle above seems lush, perhaps even filled with resources. A good place to stop for a break and refuel. A place to restock their supplies. Also, a place where Law can stretch his legs. He's in need of a good wander.

   Once the Tang settles in place, the Hearts getting to securing her and keeping their home safe, the captain emerges from the depths. Kikoku sits on his shoulder, golden gaze taking a moment to appreciate the efficiency of his crew. He creates a Room, spreading it into the cliff side to find the path up and out of these caves.

   "Gonna take a walk," Law projects, telling everyone within ear shot. "Shachi you keep the Tang safe. Clione heads the foraging effort. I'll mark the path out of the cave. It's pretty short so nothin' to worry 'bout. See you guys in a couple hours."

it was always nice to see martha when they came in contact with one another, she had always been there for him when he needed questions answered or for him to work through things. so, when she came into the port and he took notice of it, the captain of the straw hats made it a point to visit with her.

@devilofthecresentisle asked "Is this biting just---a thing you do?"

"Ah..." Eyes narrow and glance around trying to explain the habit. "I think more people should bite." He nods along and licks his teeth. "People are meat, feels good. I'd never e—" The word trails off in a thoughtful hum, never say never. "Maybe Chopper? Zoro would definitely let me eat him."

The woman entering his shop today was a bit different than his normal patron. Geppetto couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a sailor fresh off the docks enter his store. Usually the people that smelled like the salty air preferred to find lodging or a meal, and they didn’t have much time to browse tiny shops like his.