[color=7bcdc8][center][h2]Huo[/h2][hr][/center][/color]

Among the laughter and joy in the Black Eel Inn, a young man rested on a stool not far from the entrance, head leaned back against the wall as his fingers strummed an old banjo furiously. He did his best to match the tempo of the lively conversations in the room, a small leaf hat bent into a cup-like shape rested at his feet as those with a spare copper or two tossed a pittance to their makeshift performer. Most seemed to enjoy the novelty of the situation, but even Huo recognized the harsher stares. He knew the looks of suspicion... his cousins in the Southern Water Tribe shared a similar gaze when he had first arrived. These strangers would soften too, certainly. No one could resist a good song.

Huo clocked the shift in atmosphere as the sounds of footsteps outside reached his ear. His gaze turned briefly outside, to the earth kingdom soldiers. His fingers stopped strumming suddenly, sending a few confused stares his way. But Huo was too preoccupied with a sudden paralysis that overtook his system. The reality of Huo's situation had begun to solidify itself. He was a fish out of water here... and he had come to this village with a purpose. Starting trouble wouldn't help Huo find his contact... and he wasn't exactly confident in his ability to deal with an entire band of soldiers even if his newfound companion Ryschi had his back. So even as he heard the soldiers begin to order demands, the waterbender instinctively moved away from the source of the noise. He needed to follow the lead he had been given.

He needed to trust where the wind was blowing him. It had guided him this far.

Huo quietly slid the strap of his banjo over his shoulder, scooped his tips into a pouch on his belt, and began molding his handmade cap back into a wearable form as he meandered up to the bar itself. He found himself a spot in between two groups of individuals while waving in a friendly manner to the bartender. As soon as he has the bartender's attention, Huo's voice oozed with an infectious accented optimism. [Color=7bcdc8]"Well howdy there, slim. I hate to bother ya... I was looking for a friend of mine, their name's Shunon. Would you be able to steer me in the direction I could find 'em?"[/color]
[hr][@Achronum]