lucetilogs | The Dance of Pride

Who: Iroh, Duck, Mytho, Anyone who wants to get into a duel with Iroh
What: Shard plot
When: Sunday Throughout the day
Where: All around the village
Summary: Iroh has the shard of pride in him, causing him to act strangely, demanding duels with people to prove his power.
Rating : PG-13

There had been a strange twinge in Iroh as of late. Something that had been making him feel differently. While normally a rather humble individual, he had been swelling with increased pride over the past week. It was a marked change in the man, and on Sunday it comes to a head. There is a marked change in his demeanor and posture as he walks around, pride taking over.

Certainly he was old, but he was a mighty warrior, the Dragon of the West they called him. Enemies had both feared and respected him, worried that he would turn his gaze in their direction. His allies had great respect for his abilities and achievements, and deferred to his judgment. That had all changed with the death of his son Lu Ten. His pride at taking the city of Ba Sing Se had caused him to lose his most beloved son. His legacy had ended with him, and he retreated both from the city and within himself. Seeing him again in the battle, perhaps his family had been right, he should have been stronger, and burned Ba Sing Se to the ground for the loss. The Dragon of the West should have led the attack himself again. He would prove his strength again here, no longer would he lose those he cared for, the Dragon of the West awakens again.

As he strolls around the village he calls out for challengers. This was the quickest and surest way for people to know his strength.

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...

[Despite Eley's surprise at Iroh's sudden change in attitude, he finds himself unable to retaliate immediately. There was truth in his words and the Spirit himself had endeavoured to learn how to fight and defend ever since his tree was destroyed.

Yet he fought to protect himself and others... and still hated the thought of having to kill the enemy.]

Even I can understand the desire to grow stronger. Yet... you were already helping others, through your wisdom. This... harshness is unlike you.

Do not speak as if you know me, Eley.

[How dare he presume such things]

I will not suffer criticism from you, or anyone for that matter. If you wish to speak, do so with your strength.

[He has turned his body sideways and has lowered his body, ready to strike]

Criticism? I was praising your old ways...

[Woah okay, that stance change is definitely a little unnerving. Iroh was serious here, Eley could see that. And while he didn't doubt his strength despite his age, Eley had no desire to start a fight with him.

The Spirit is tense, alert, ready to defend himself, but makes no further move to attack.]

Please, stand down. I have no quarrel with you... I do not wish to fight you, Iroh.

[Iroh shakes his head]

I cannot blame you for not wanting to fight me. Regardless, I challenge you Eley, wind spirit. Stand and prepare yourself!

[In his hand fire appears]

[Prepare himself he will, especially at the sight of that flame in Iroh's hand, but he's still purely on the defensive. He's not seeking to hurt the man no matter what he throws at him. Something was clearly wrong, and somehow the Spirit had to work out what to do about it.

He shakes his head.]

I will not rise to your challenge. Iroh, listen to yourself. This is not you. Something has taken control of you.

[It could be anything... an evil spirit, or even memories of a past self, Eley really couldn't be sure. Luceti had many ways of twisting people.]

[He makes a bit of a contemptuous snort as he shakes his head]

Then this will hardly be a challenge at all.

[With that he sends a spiral of fire heading towards Eley]

[Eley barely has time to react as the fire comes spiralling towards him, but quickly spreads his hands in front of him to create a thick wall of wind that dissipates the flames as they come close, threatening to engulf him. The Spirit knows it's a strategy that won't work forever though, and begins to move, circling the other man as he keeps a watchful eye on his actions. Hopefully he can evade and counter further attacks without having to harm him...]

Your people speak of honour. Do you think it honourable to strike down an opponent with no will to fight? This is not fair... and I know you would not condone it if you were sound of mind. Focus, Iroh. Remember who you truly are.

Now you call me crazy? Ha! Find the will to fight, or be destroyed, that is all.

[He holds his palms together for a moment and breaths in gathering flame, before breathing out and sending a circle of flame around]

[Now things were really getting serious... would Eley really have no choice but to try to pacify Iroh by force? He would leave it as a last resort, but if he had to try and knock him down to prevent him from doing any more damage then so be it.

Being on the ground right now didn't seem to be working in his favour though, particularly now he was surrounded by flames. He could feel the heat on his skin and it was also proving a distraction. He had to keep an eye on the man, or he really did risk being destroyed.]

I will not stand by and allow this... but I will not seek to destroy you either. This must stop!

[There was nothing for it. Directing his hands down towards the ground, Eley propels himself up into the air using the force of the wind. It's there that he's suddenly consumed by a blue glow that obscures his form and grows until it takes the shape of the dragon.

In one great swooping motion, the dragon charges towards Iroh with the wind behind him, hoping to knock him down.]

[He had been waiting for this to happen. Without a pause, he leaps to the right and adds extra power to the leap with some fire.]

You'll have to do better than that, Eley!

The Dance of Pride

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