Avatar:Qarsoq and Aasu
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Qarsoq and Aasu were a father-son duo of Northern Water Tribe hunters who plied their trade during the 60s BG. They ultimately fell victim to a scheme connected to the mysterious Atka, with Qarsoq dying during a tragic hunt.
History
Early life and hunting career
Qarsoq and Aasu descended from a sub-tribe which had historically lived as nomads in the rural North Pole region, following the migration of their quarry such as turtle seals.[2] While other parts of their sub-tribe continued live in mobile camps southwest of Kuruk's Point,[1] the clan of Qarsoq and Aasu mostly moved into the Northern Water Tribe's capital Agna Qel'a in the early 1st century BG, seeking work and a better life. As a result, Qarsoq became employed by trading companies which directed him when, where, and what he was supposed to hunt. The older man taught his skills to his son Aasu as he grew up, and they became a duo of hunters.[2]
In summer 63 BG,[2][3] their traditional hunting area outside Agna Qel'a yielded exceptionally few turtle seals, with the animals having seemingly relocated. As they could not follow the animals due to being sedentary, while also being beholden to their employers' quotas, Qarsoq and Aasu extended their hunts into the stormy season of late year.[2]
The fateful hunt
On day in late 63 BG, they continued their hunt on a large, frozen lake even as a blizzard began to engulf them. Aasu urged his father to return to camp, but the older man wordlessly pressed on. Even as their sight became poor and the blizzard intensified, Aasu discovered an air hole seemingly used by turtle seals. Despite the freezing, stormy conditions, the two were excited over this discovery and assumed an ambush position. After waiting some time, the hunters were shocked when a turtle seal burst out of the air hole and fell upon Qarsoq; as turtle seals normally never attacked humans, the older man was not prepared to defend himself as the maddened animal tore into him with its sharp teeth and considerable strength.[2]
Aasu was momentarily stunned before attempting to save his father by hurling his harpoon. The weapon could not breach the turtle seal's shell, but the crazed animal turned its attention to the younger hunter. Aasu saw that the turtle seal was mottled with purple bruises and had foam at its mouth, and drew a knife to defend himself. At this moment, however, the animal suddenly fell dead. Aasu rushed to help his heavily wounded father, recognizing that the older man was barely alive and had to be brought to be a healer. However, the blizzard had become so severe that Aasu could no longer orientate himself.[2]
To his surprise, the young man discovered a woman approaching from the storm. Even as he asked her for help, she largely ignored him and instead examined the dead turtle seal. After introducing herself as Atka, she told him that she was "not here to help" and turned away. Aasu cradled his father and desperately cursed as well as pleaded as the woman walked away, leaving the hunters in the intensifying blizzard.[2] Without further aid, Qarsoq died of his wounds in the storm. Following his father's demise, Aasu barely managed to reach shelter and helpful people. He later retold his experiences, with stories of the new sickness swiftly spreading among the rural people of the Northern Water Tribe.[1]
Physical description
Qarsoq was a massive man, likened by his son to a caribou bear.[2]
Personality
Qarsoq was a prideful and stoic man who believed in the importance of strength, patience, and humility. He regarded these traits as extremely important to survive the brutal hunts across the North Pole. His son Aasu greatly admired his father, and sought to emulate him.[2]
Abilities
Qarsoq and Aasu were nonbenders and experienced hunters, well versed in locating turtle seals even under harsh conditions. They were capable of surviving in the wilds for extended times, had taught themselves to communicate with whistling when trapped in a blizzard, and used harpoons for their hunts.[2]