Heart to Heart

[warriorchief]

Mundane...

I appreciate that you feel this will bring me closer to my children and their friends. In many ways, I'm sure you're right, but I worry that neither of us have thought this through thoroughly. You don't have the time, you've admitted that before, and...

[A sigh.]

A glimpse into my children's lives would be nice, I will admit that; however, they are and have always been very independent, willful individuals. If having me around means any determent to that growth, then I think I'd rather remain behind. I've made my mark, and now they deserve a chance to do the same.

Please, take some time to consider how this would not only affect the both of us, but also those we hold close.

Comments

[charge_sword]

Would it really be such a negative effect?

[warriorchief]

I cannot say for certain; circumstances allow for many outcomes and uncertainty isn't generally my style. If given the choice, I'd see my children grow with little interference from myself so that they may truly become fully realized individuals of their own design.

[Hakoda pauses, leaving a moment for himself to think.]

And yet, I fear being close to them would scrub away that opportunity. If I see them struggling, I will go to them every time.

[charge_sword]

Hmmm.

[The knight thinks about this. No experience with family at all gives him a strange view on it all.]

It sounds to me the problem lays in moderating yourself.

[warriorchief]

You're right, absolutely.

From what I understand, many of these... "games" can be violent and distressing. It would be difficult to moderate myself in those situations -- perhaps too difficult.

[charge_sword]

That is the case in some yes. But the way I see it...If someone precious would be endangered, I wouldn't see any need for moderation.

[aangin_loose]

Well, even if she doesn't have time to bring you into a game, she can still do things with you!

[warriorchief]

Aang! Good to see you again.

[He smiles warmly.] My mundane seems to agree with you, which I suspect is the reason I'm here at all. Perhaps you have some suggestions?

[warriorchief]

Speaking of my children only: They are warriors. When I could not be with them, they found a way to fight and survive. Would I serve them well to always interfere when I know them to be skilled even without my aid? I worry I might rob them of the experience of growth and the pride the comes with problem-solving.

[aangin_loose]

It's good to see you, too!

[He grins.] Well, we could do something! I'm just sorta floating around in her head, trying to avoid all the others up here.

[warriorchief]

If I can be assistance to the Avatar in any way, I would like to. Perhaps we could find some time to have dinner and explore some local shops? [He pauses, chuckling lightly.] Do they have local shops in this place?

[charge_sword]

Hmmm.

I think that would be better than having them die.

[warriorchief]

[He looks momentarily stunned by the thought.]

You are right, yes; however, from my understanding, the danger of death is not a constant. What about the dangers that pose less of a risk than that?

I suppose I could provide emotional support in any case, but knowing when not to step in has never been one of my strong points.

[charge_sword]

Then I'd say being with your children would be a good opportunity for you to grow too.

[warriorchief]

[There's a long pause here. Obviously he hasn't thought about that angle.]

[He smiles.]

You're absolutely right. There isn't a person who can't benefit from a little personal growth. Thank you for that.

I am Hakoda, of the Southern Water Tribe. What do they call you?

[charge_sword]

[The knight returns the smile. He likes helping people.]

I was just trying to be logical, but I'm glad I helped.

I'm just a nameless knight, but most people give me a nickname around the colour red. [Not surprising, considering his red cloak, red plume, red parts of his armour and, not that it can be seen right now, red hair and eyes.] Or they call me Arthur.

[warriorchief]

I think I will call you Arthur, if it's all the same to you. I don't feel I know you well enough yet to assign a nickname.

[charge_sword]

Well, that might be awkward because I hate being called Arthur. He was apparently some famous knight, but he had a very nasty end and I'd rather not be associated with it.

...Sorry about that.

[waterbends]

Dad!

[Whoah.]

[warriorchief]

Katara... [He smiles.] You look ol-- [No wait. Start over.] You look very mature. I'm guessing you have some experience dealing with these "games." Perhaps you could share your thoughts?

[restorehonour]

Are you kidding? Sokka and Katara would be really happy to see you. [...Oops, that didn't come across as very respectful.] --Uh, Chief, sir.

[warriorchief]

[Hakoda laughs.] In that case, I'm sorry as well. Perhaps I can call you friend until something more appropriate comes to mind?

[charge_sword]

[Despite his helmet hiding everything but his lower jaw, he manages to look quite surprised.] If you consider me a friend, then I'd be honoured to be called as such.

[warriorchief]

Please, Zuko, call me Hakoda. You've certainly earned the right.

[And a thoughtful pause later.] You're likely correct about my children's initial reactions; however, I can see where having a... parent around could make a difference in what they feel they can and cannot do.

I'm not sure it's easy to explain to someone who has no children of his own. I don't mean to assume you wouldn't be up to the challenge of answering, only that fatherhood changes one's perspective dramatically.

[Followed immediately by a discerning eye.] You're... not a father yet, are you?

[warriorchief]

In that case, the honor would fall to us both, friend.

Your sage advice: Does it stem from your experiences at home, or from your experiences in these "games" everyone appears to be interested in?

[charge_sword]

To be honest, I'm just making it up as I go along. [There's that smile again.] But since the topic is growing, any experience would do.