Diary of Bree

"My father adopted me when he found me in front of the temple door," Bree said as a tear fell into her half eaten curry. "My mother apparently didn't want me, but my father did. He was Monk Tsultrim Of the southern air temple."

Bree chuckled as she remembered a story that her father loved to tell. "He told me that when he found me he carried me into the kitchens to warm me. someone knocked over some spice and it caused me to sneeze. I sent him across the kitchen. He just laughed. He then adopted me the next day and taught me everything he knew." She started to cry again. "He died a few weeks ago. I just couldn't stay at the temple anymore. That's why I am here."


Dear diary: The emperor is nicer than I thought he would be. His chef Makes the most delicious curry. We shared stories from our past. Both are sad but that's OK, Others have had worse. It is nice to find others who know what it's like.

Nobunaga watched Bree explain her life to him. He sighed. Mother's that abandoned their kids upset him. Once Bree was finished her story, he made that abundantly clear.

"Mothers that abandon their children are worse than scum," scoffed Nobunaga, "Your mother did the best thing by giving you to her father. Any mother that brings a child into this world willingly but won't willing raise the infant is a cancer upon humanity. It seems you were well loved by your father though--lots to be thankful there."

Nobunaga stood up straight, finishing off the last of his cheese and bread. He heard Bree's story about sending her father flying across the kitchens with a single sneeze. He laughed.

"You must be one strong Air Bender," he laughed, "I don't blame you for wanting to go out and see the world though. Nothing to do at the temple...especially with your pops gone."

Nobunaga walked over the doorway of the kitchen. "Let's find you your bison now though, shall we? If you want to travel, you're going to need a bison."

Nobunaga smiled again. "Just don't forget you'll need to come back and visit some day."

Bree finished her curry and jumped of the barrel. She didn't like that the emperor talked about her mother like that but at the same time she new he was right. What mother could just give up their child like that. she dried her eyes though and stood up straight, smiling.

"Maybe I'll find her one day and she will tell me why," she said cheerfully. "But until then, I have a world to explore!"

She followed the emperor through the palace. "Could we stay for a couple days?" Bree asked suddenly. "We have been traveling for a while and were going to rest soon anyways."

"Oh, you're more than welcome to stay for as long as you like," smiled Nobunaga, "Don't take my words as my meaning for you to leave. But for there to be a 'we', we need to find your bison."

Nobunaga paused as he looked around, thinking for a moment. How did one find a bison anyway? What did they eat? Where do they go for fun? These were like Komodo Rhinos, throw a little bit of rancid meat mixed with maggots and they'll come running.

Bison were a bit smarter. Bigger. Tougher. Vegetarian.

This was not going to be easy.

"What is your bison's name, and what does he like to eat? Do you know where he'd potentially go? How big is he?" Nobunaga began the questioning very methodically. He'd need to know all of these things if he and Bree were going to find this magical flying monster.

"Thank you sir," Bree said bubbly. "My bisons name is Tala. I've had her since we were both 3. we bonded earlier than most."

Bree stopped for a moment to think. "Before she dumped me we were heading west. I have some treats but they are tied to the saddle...OH! She likes fruits."

"Tala and fruits..." Nobunaga muttered to himself as he hung a left around the corner. He silently led Bree towards a large open orchard in a courtyard of the castle. Apples, pears, peaches all dangled, ripe for the picking, from the trees above.

Nobunaga instantly drew his pistol and smiled. He shot an apple tree, a peach tree and a pear tree. The force of the shot rattled the trees and knocked several fruits loose onto the ground.

"Pick up the fruits, I'll call my dragon," explained Nobunaga, "If you need some place to store them go as the chef for a cloth sack. I will meet you in front of the entrance when you are ready. I must gather a few things in my chambers before we are to depart. If you get lost, ask one of the servants to show you the way. Do you understand?"

Nobunaga was not unkind with Bree. But realistically he needed to go to his private chambers to grab several things before he began traveling. He also wouldn't be able to summon Kohryu here to this courtyard due to sheer difference in size and available space.

For now, he and Bree would need to divide and conquer for a short bit.

Bree nodded and ran back to the kitchen. The cooks were very kind and gave her the bag she needed. 'I hope this works,' she though. She missed Tala badly and just wanted to see her again. She started to collect the fruit and place it in the bag, careful to not bruise it. Once she was done she ran to the entrance. The servants were so kind. She had gotten lost once or twice and they always helped point her in the right direction. When she finally did make it to the entrance she reached into her satchel and pulled out a notebook. Flipping it open to somewhere in the middle, Bree started to write.

"Dear Diary: The emperor offered to help me find Tala! He shot some trees and gave me the fruit to find her, he is even coming with it seems. Knowing Tala, she is probably having fun on the wind currents or swimming in a nice lake. I have to say, I kinda like it here. The palace might be large and I might get lost easy but its nice, so are the people."