Going for a walk

Aria spent the rest of the day as usual. She went to the homes of different people, some needed her help, some were just looking for company. All in all, it was rather a busy day for Aria. She got many gifts too.

Freshly baked bread, vegetables grown in their own yard, and many other things.

As Aria came out from a house and stretched her hands, she thought, "Wow! This stuff is too much. I can barely hold it."

Aria thought about using wind bending to carry these things but she quickly rejected the idea. No one in the village knew she could bend any element other that water, and Aria planned to keep it that way.

Aria carried the things back to her house with difficulty. She went in and dumped the things on the small dining table. Sonia came out of the kitchen and said, "You're finally back..And what's all this?"

Aria hugged Sonia and said, "Oh, these are just gifts everyone gave me."

Sonia: "So that's what you were doing the whole day."

Aria: "Yup, I went to Mr. White's house, then to Mrs. Finnings, then met up with Cora..... And many more."

Sonia patted her head, "Take some time out for us too."

Aria: "Of course mother. By the way, where's father?"

Sonia: "He came home after selling the fish. But it was too early for him and he didn't have much to do, so he headed with Jacob to meet Mr. White."

Aria: "How's he doing?"

Sonia: "He's basically fine now. He is even able to pick up some work so that Jacob can go to the academy this year."

Aria hesitated for a moment before deciding not to speak what was on her mind. She said, "Mother, I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back soon."

Sonia: "Off to Jacob's?"

Aria: "Not now. I just feel like going for a walk."

Sonia understood that Aria going for a walk meant that there was something on her mind, so she nodded, "Be back before dark."

Aria kissed Sonia on the cheek and said, "Jeez, fine mother. Bye."

And she ran out. Aria ran the whole way, out of the village and to the foot of the surrounding hills. She knew that it would not be long before dark so Aria began to climb the hill in a run.

After a short climb, Aria came upon a small fairly flat piece of land. Ahead, was a giant boulder that seemed to be fixed in the hill.

Aria looked around. After making sure that no one was around, she twirled her fingers and the boulder moved, and the entrance of a cave was revealed. If one did not know about it, it would be next to impossible to notice the cave. Even if it could be found, the boulder was too heavy for any normal person to lift it.

Aria went in and the boulder moved again, sealing off the entrance.

She went inside. It was pitch dark and no one would be able to see anything. Aria took out a matchbox from her pocket and lit it up. Then she lighted a candle that was placed on the ground. Then using fire bending, Aria lighted up some more candles, all placed on the ground near the walls.